imd in Bangladesh
Exploring the Microbial World and Inspiring Future Life Scientists
When: 17 September
Time: 09:30 - 16:00
Where: Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, will celebrate International Microorganism Day 2026 on 17 September 2026 through a day-long programme designed to introduce young learners to the fascinating microbial world and inspire them to pursue education and careers in the life sciences.
The celebration will combine expert lectures, interactive laboratory demonstrations, scientific project exhibitions and an inter-college microbiology quiz competition. College-level students from different educational institutions will have opportunities to interact with microbiologists, observe laboratory techniques and discover how microorganisms influence human health, agriculture, food production, biotechnology and the environment.
The programme will be attended by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Dhaka, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Karim, Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, will attend as the Special Guest. The programme will begin with a welcome address by Professor Dr. Shakila Nargis Khan, Chairman, Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka.
Three invited lectures will connect microbiological knowledge with research, public health and career development. Dr. Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Senior Scientist and Head of the One Health Laboratory at icddr,b, will deliver a career-focused lecture for college-level students interested in pursuing higher education and careers in the life sciences. He will discuss emerging career pathways, essential scientific skills and the opportunities and responsibilities associated with working in life-science disciplines.
The other invited speakers will be Professor Dr. Marufa Zerin Akhtar of the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, and Sabik Khayer, Lecturer at BRAC University.
A major attraction of the celebration will be the laboratory demonstration and scientific project exhibition, where students will gain direct exposure to microbiological techniques, experimental approaches and research-based problem-solving. These activities are intended to make microbiology accessible, engaging and relevant to young learners.
The programme will also feature an inter-college microbiology quiz competition. The quiz will assess participants’ understanding of the invited lectures and their knowledge of fundamental and contemporary topics in microbiology. The event will conclude with a closing session and an award ceremony recognizing the students’ participation and achievements.
Through this celebration, the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, aims to promote scientific curiosity, strengthen public understanding of microorganisms and encourage a new generation of students to explore the life sciences. The initiative also seeks to connect Bangladesh’s young learners with the global International Microorganism Day movement and its mission of recognizing the vital roles microorganisms play in our health, environment and everyday lives.
Event Coordinator:
Professor Dr. Muhammad Manjurul Karim
Convenor, International Microorganism Day 2026 Organizing Committee
Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka
Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
