Four Decades of Nuclear Medicine: Bangladesh’s Radiant Rise Recognized
A scientific seminar titled “Advances in Nuclear Medicine in Bangladesh: A Journey of More Than Four Decades” was held on Thursday, October 16, at the Dr. Anwar Hossain Auditorium of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), highlighting the country’s four-decade-long progress in nuclear medicine.
The event was organized by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, with Md. Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, attending as the chief guest.
In his address, the Secretary said, “The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission has been playing an important role for many years in applying nuclear technology for healthcare and human welfare. Its contribution, particularly in the treatment of cancer, cardiac, and other complex diseases, is commendable.”
He further noted that many of the commission’s sophisticated instruments and facilities are not yet being fully utilized. Emphasizing the need to make the government’s existing resources accessible under a clear policy, he added, “Private sector institutions—especially in the pharmaceutical and export industries—must be enabled to use government testing facilities by paying specific fees, thereby contributing to the improvement of product quality across the country.”
Despite limited manpower at both the Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Secretary expressed optimism that greater output could be achieved through enhanced efficiency and coordination. He assured that necessary measures would be taken to increase the workforce of the commission. He also instructed officials to expand patient services from three days a week to seven, saying, “Arrangements must be made to provide services throughout the week.”
The Secretary stated that the ministry aims to strengthen collaboration among research, academia, and industry to make its operations more effective. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have already been signed, and new initiatives for technology transfer with both domestic and international institutions are underway.
He further announced plans to establish cyclotron production centers in Mymensingh and Chattogram soon, enabling isotope production and supply to public and private clinics. Additionally, he directed the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission to expedite the third phase of infrastructure development at Savar.
The seminar was presided over by Dr. Md. Mojibur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. Senior officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, representatives from BCSIR, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, industry and commerce sectors, and scientific officers from various levels of BAEC were also present.
