World Pharmacist Day 2026: Scientific Discussion Organized by BPF
A scientific discussion was held in Dhaka on the occasion of World Pharmacist Day 2026, organized by the Bangladesh Pharmacists’ Forum (BPF).
The program, titled “World Pharmacist Day 2026 & Scientific Discussion,” was held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Waterfall Convention Centre, Plaza AR, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Pharmacists, pharmacy graduates, pharmaceutical industry professionals, and other stakeholders attended the event.
The theme of this year’s World Pharmacist Day was “Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures.” The event focused on the professional development of pharmacists, their role in healthcare, and their potential contribution to the future of the healthcare system.
About FIP and World Pharmacists Day
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global organization representing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators worldwide. FIP works to advance pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical science and education, with the broader goal of improving health outcomes.
World Pharmacists Day is coordinated globally by FIP and is observed every year on 25 September. For 2026, FIP announced the theme “Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures,” highlighting the importance of empowering pharmacists with appropriate skills, recognition and support to contribute effectively to healthcare systems.
Focus on Pharmaceutical Quality and Scientific Discussion
One of the key segments of the event was the Scientific Discussion, where important issues related to pharmaceutical quality, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and professional development were discussed.
The importance of acquiring practical knowledge and industry-oriented skills was highlighted, particularly for young pharmacists entering the pharmaceutical sector.
Pharmaceutical quality is not ensured solely through final product testing. Quality needs to be maintained throughout the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain process—from raw materials and manufacturing to in-process control, laboratory testing, documentation, storage, and final product release.
Therefore, practical knowledge of GMP, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Documentation, Validation, and Regulatory Affairs is becoming increasingly important for pharmacists working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Professional Rights and Career Opportunities for Pharmacists
The event also addressed issues related to the professional development, career opportunities, and workplace recognition of pharmacists.
In Bangladesh, several issues have remained subjects of discussion among pharmacy professionals, including the introduction of hospital pharmacy services, greater involvement of pharmacists in the public healthcare system, inclusion of graduate pharmacists in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), and appropriate salary structures for pharmacists.
These issues were also highlighted in the context of strengthening the professional role of pharmacists and creating more structured career opportunities for pharmacy graduates.
Call for Stronger Hospital Pharmacy Services
The development of hospital pharmacy services in Bangladesh has been a recurring issue in discussions among pharmacy professionals and professional organizations.
In a hospital-based pharmacy system, pharmacists can contribute to proper medicine storage and management, medication safety, drug information services, rational use of medicines, and patient counselling regarding medicines.
A properly structured hospital pharmacy system can provide an opportunity to utilize pharmacists’ professional expertise in improving medication management and supporting the safe and appropriate use of medicines.
Inclusion of Graduate Pharmacists in BCS
The employment opportunities of pharmacists within the government sector were also discussed.
In particular, the inclusion of graduate pharmacists in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) remains an important issue among pharmacy professionals.
Pharmacists have extensive academic and professional knowledge related to medicines, pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, drug regulation, and healthcare. Discussions regarding opportunities to utilize these skills within the public healthcare system continue among professionals.
Salary Structure and Professional Recognition
The issue of appropriate remuneration and professional recognition for pharmacists was another topic of interest.
The importance of establishing suitable salary structures for graduate pharmacists working in model pharmacies and ensuring appropriate recognition of their professional qualifications and responsibilities was highlighted.
Creating better working environments and opportunities for professional development may help make more effective use of pharmacy graduates as skilled human resources in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Important Message for Young Pharmacists
The scientific discussions also carried important messages for young pharmacists.
Today, career opportunities for pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry extend beyond traditional roles in Production and Quality Control laboratories.
Pharmacists can pursue professional careers in areas such as:
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Regulatory Affairs
- Validation
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Supply Chain
- Pharmacovigilance
- Documentation
- Pharmaceutical Quality Systems
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Knowledge of international GMP standards and regulatory requirements can also play an important role in developing the professional capabilities of pharmacists working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Bangladesh Pharmacists’ Forum Organizes the Event
The program, organized by the Bangladesh Pharmacists’ Forum (BPF), combined the celebration of World Pharmacist Day with professional and scientific discussions on issues relevant to pharmacists in Bangladesh.
The participation of pharmacists and other professionals provided an opportunity for professional networking, knowledge sharing, and discussion of various issues affecting the pharmacy profession.
The program included scientific discussions, celebration of World Pharmacist Day through a cake-cutting ceremony, and discussions concerning professional issues and future initiatives.
Expectations for Future Initiatives
There is continued interest in further initiatives aimed at strengthening the professional development of pharmacists, expanding career opportunities, and increasing their contribution to the healthcare system.
Alongside skill development in areas such as Quality Assurance, GMP, and pharmaceutical quality systems, continued discussion and initiatives regarding hospital pharmacy, government employment opportunities, and the effective involvement of graduate pharmacists in model pharmacies may contribute to the development of the pharmacy profession in Bangladesh.