Calling antimicrobial resistance a “major threat to future generations”, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Lutfur Rahman has emphasised the urgent need to ensure the rational use of antibiotics to combat AMR.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 at CVASU on Tuesday, he said, “Strong steps must be taken now to control the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs. Ensuring rational use of antibiotics, good biosecurity practices, increasing public awareness and proper policy implementation at field level are essential to achieving significant progress against AMR.”
He further stressed that AMR cannot be tackled without “research-based knowledge, skilled manpower and public awareness working together.”
Various programmes were organised at CVASU to mark the global AMR awareness observance. The day began with a colourful procession on the university campus, starting from the front of the administrative building. Teachers, students and participants from different departments joined the rally carrying placards, banners and slogans calling for the prevention of antimicrobial misuse.
This year’s global theme is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” The initiatives at CVASU were organised by the Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology.
A technical session was held at the CVASU auditorium, featuring presentations by AMR Project Officer Dr Pandapan Suwanthada, WHO National AMR MPTF Consultant for Bangladesh Dr Md Habibur Rahman, and Assistant Professor Dr Md Ridwan Pasha of CVASU.
Professor Dr Mohammad Rashedul Alam, Director (Student Welfare), delivered the welcome address.
The technical session was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Professor Dr Md Sohel Al Farooq.
Panelists included Professor Dr S. K. M. Azizul Islam of CVASU; Professor Dr Adnan Mannan of Chittagong University; Kazi Ashfaq Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Pharmacy at IIUC; Dr Md Shawkat Emran, Consultant Neurologist at Chittagong Medical College; Dr Nabil Farabi, Senior Scientific Officer at FDIL, Chittagong; and Dr Md Nurul Islam Shawon, Senior Sales Manager of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Speakers described antimicrobial resistance as a growing threat to global health security and called for stronger policy-making, expanded research, better training, accurate prescription practices and increased public awareness.
Special guests at the event included Professor Gautam Kumar Debnath, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Professor Dr A. K. M. Saifuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USTC; Professor Dr Md Ahsanul Haque, Director (External Activities), CVASU; Professor Dr A. K. M. Saifuddin, Assistant Director of the One Health Institute; and Momin Ud Daula, Managing Director and CEO of ION Group of Industries.
The programme was presided over by Professor Dr Amir Hossain Saikat, Head of the Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology.
As part of the week-long observance, a video competition, poster and cartoon exhibition, extempore speech contest and quiz competition were organised. Winners were selected and awarded to encourage greater participation in AMR awareness activities.
