IUB marks world pharmacists day 2025

The Department of Pharmacy under the School of Pharmacy and Public Health (SPPH) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organised a seminar on Wednesday to mark World Pharmacists Day 2025 at the IUB Auditorium.

Themed "Think Health, Think Pharmacist", the global campaign led by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) highlights the vital role of pharmacists in sustainable healthcare.

Professor Dr SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended as chief guest. He said pharmacy had played a crucial role in society since ancient times and praised IUB's well-equipped department, adding that there was ample scope for development through industry-academia collaboration.

Didar A Husain, Chairman of IUB's Board of Trustees, observed that while the nation was relatively young, it had the resources to advance academic excellence. "Pharmacy is one of the oldest professions, and while tools have evolved, its importance remains unchanged," he said.

Trustee Dr Husne Ara Ali, Vice-Chairman of ESTCDT, noted her long-cherished dream of a flourishing Department of Pharmacy was realised in 2018. "Pharmacists are key architects of the public health system, and their role is indispensable today," she added.

Vice-Chancellor Professor M Tamim, who chaired the seminar, said IUB was committed to ensuring students gained full exposure to the subject. He emphasised ongoing efforts to upgrade laboratories and build stronger industry linkages so that graduates are job-ready.

Keynote speaker Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, Chairman of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd and head of the Accreditation and Education Committee of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, said, "You [students] have voluntarily shouldered a great responsibility to serve the welfare and well-being of people in this country and beyond."

Muhammad Mahbubul Haq, Secretary of the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, pointed out that Bangladesh was the only country without pharmacists in its government hospitals, stressing that pharmacy should be regarded as a basic necessity for public health.

Professor Dr Md Selim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University, recalled the impact of the 1982 drug policy, which allowed domestic companies to flourish. He said new industry interventions were expected after 2026, and the profession must stand ready.

Professor Dr Md Shah Amran of IUB placed a five-point demand for social and state recognition of the profession, including making pharmacy a cadre service, expanding hospital and community pharmacy, appointing pharmacists in government organisations, involving them in therapeutic committees, and introducing centralised admission tests.

Student representative Sanjida Mizi, Vice President of the IUB Pharma Club, said students were preparing for a future of service and learning, emphasising the pharmacist's responsibility in ensuring safe medicine use and accessible healthcare.

Earlier, Dr Nasrin Akhter, Head of the Department of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address, while Dr Kamran Ul Baset, Dean of SPPH, gave the vote of thanks.

The session was attended by Pro-VC Professor Daniel W Lund, Treasurer Khandker Md Iftekhar Haider, Registrar Asif Parvez, Controller of Examinations Tapos Sarkar, Librarian Md Shahajada Masud Anowarul Haque, Director of Council Affairs Ashraful Amin, Deputy Director of HR Shibli Hussain Ahmad, and Director of Operations A S M Shah Alam, along with students and faculty members.