Govt initiates to set-up BMU Cancer Research Institute
Last December, heads of several oncology-related departments at the university jointly wrote to the authority for its establishment
Highlights:
- One established, BMU Cancer Research Institute to meet global standards
- Health Ministry instructed to review application promptly
- 250,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually
- Limited infrastructure hinders survival and late detection
- Plans include national cancer registry, biobank, AI
- Focus on screening, vaccines, survivorship, palliative care
- Low-cost diagnostics and treatment guidelines development planned
- Director-level post proposed to oversee institute operations
- Funding expected from departmental budget adjustments
The interim government has moved to set up a specialised cancer research institute under Bangladesh Medical University, aiming to bring the nation's cancer treatment and research capabilities on par with global standards."
The proposed "BMU Cancer Research Institute" follows an application from the heads of several oncology-related departments at the university.
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Responding to the request, the Chief Adviser's Office has forwarded the proposal to the Health Ministry with instructions to take necessary action in line with existing regulations, according to an official notice issued today (16 February).
The notice states that the application had been formally reviewed and sent onward for ministerial consideration.
Professor Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, chairman of the university's Clinical Oncology Department, told The Business Standard that improving cancer treatment has been framed as a national priority.
He noted that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted cancer care in his election manifesto, pledging to make healthcare more affordable, accessible and technology-driven.
The application — submitted on 6 December 2025 by the heads of Clinical Oncology, Gynaecologic Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Paediatric Haemato-Oncology and Palliative Medicine — underscores the urgency of the initiative.
Professor Akram expressed optimism that policy backing, combined with the planned institute, could drive long-term structural improvements in cancer research and treatment nationwide.
Around 250,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Bangladesh, with approximately 150,000 deaths each year, while about 20 lakh patients are undergoing treatment at different stages, according to the letter.
According to the proposal, survival outcomes remain constrained by late detection, limited advanced research infrastructure, gaps in genomic and molecular research, and the absence of internationally standard clinical trials.
The proposed institute plans to establish a national cancer registry and biobank, conduct genomics and translational research, run Phase I–III clinical trials, and deploy AI-based radiology and pathology analysis. It would also focus on screening, vaccines, survivorship and palliative care research, develop low-cost diagnostic tools, contribute to national treatment guidelines, and expand international collaboration.
The application highlights that the university already operates multiple oncology-focused departments alongside supporting units such as pathology, radiology, pharmacology and public health.
It also argued that existing research infrastructure and memorandums of understanding with domestic and international institutions make the institute both feasible and timely.
Under the proposal, a director-level post — to be filled by a professor — would be created to oversee the institute. Initial funding is expected to be managed through adjustments within departmental budgets.
