The Department of Pharmacy under the School of Pharmacy and Public Health (SPPH) of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organized a seminar to mark World Pharmacists Day 2025 on September 24, 2025, at the IUB Auditorium. The event was held under the global theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, promoted by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to emphasize pharmacists’ role in sustainable healthcare.
Prof. Dr. SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended the program as the Chief Guest. He said, “Pharmacy has been crucial in society from ancient times. IUB has a strong Department of Pharmacy with a capable faculty body and well-equipped laboratories. In terms of industry-academia collaboration the department is performing well and there are broader scopes for development.”
Mr. Didar A Husain, Chairman of the IUB Board of Trustees, stated, “This university and this nation are relatively young, but we have the resources to advance educational excellence. Pharmacy is one of the oldest professions, and while the tools have evolved, the importance of pharmacy remains unchanged.”
Dr. Husne Ara Ali, Member of the IUB Board of Trustees and Vice Chairman of ESTCDT, said, “It was my long-held aim to see a flourishing Department of Pharmacy at IUB, which was realised in 2018. Pharmacists are key architects of the public health system and their role is indispensable today.”
Prof. M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB and chair of the seminar, stated, “As a university we must ensure our students receive full exposure and understanding of the subject. As the honourable UGC chairman has mentioned, we are actively pursuing industry-academia collaboration and upgrading laboratories and equipment so that our graduates are job-ready.”
In his keynote address, Md. Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, Chairman of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Chairman of the Accreditation and Education Committee of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, said, “It is not just about learning and getting a job. You [students] have voluntarily shouldered a great responsibility to serve the welfare and wellbeing of people in this country and the world.”
Muhammad Mahbubul Haq, Secretary of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, said, “Bangladesh is the only country in the world that does not have pharmacists in government hospitals. For the good of the people and their health, we must embrace pharmacy as an elemental necessity.”
Prof. Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at University of Dhaka, noted the impact of the 1919822 ordinance and said, “Before that, only seven multinational companies controlled the market. After the ordinance, domestic companies flourished. Now is the time to stand by the industry as new interventions will come after 2026.”
Prof. Dr. Md. Shah Amran, Professor of Pharmacy at IUB, placed a five-point demand for the Social and State recognition of the Profession of pharmacy in Bangladesh, including declaring pharmacy as Cadre Service under the Public Service Commission, expanding hospital and community pharmacy services, appointing pharmacists in government organisations, involving them in drugs and therapeutic committees, and introducing a central admission examination system.
Student representative Sanjida Mizi, Vice President of IUB Pharma Club, said students were preparing for a future of continuous service and learning, highlighting responsibilities beyond dispensing and laboratories to make healthcare accessible and ensuring safe use of medicines.
Dr. Nasrin Akhter, Head of IUB’s Department of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address, stating that the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist” calls on policymakers and the public to recognize pharmacists’ central role in sustaining healthcare systems.
Dr. Kamran Ul Baset, Dean of IUB’s School of Pharmacy and Public Health (SPPH), delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the need for further laboratory upgrades and greater collaboration opportunities for students.
The session was hosted by Naima Nusrat Jahan and Rafia Rokaiya Hossain, both Lecturers in the Department of Pharmacy. In addition to students from SPPH, the seminar was attended by Prof. Daniel W. Lund, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Khandker Md. Iftekhar Haider, Treasurer; Asif Parvez, Registrar; Tapos Sarkar, Controller of Examinations; Md. Shahajada Masud Anowarul Haque, Librarian; Ashraful Amin, Director of Council Affairs; Shibli Hussain Ahmad, Deputy Director of Human Resources; and A S M Shah Alam, Director of Operations and Maintenance, among others.
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