It is a great honor to serve as the Chairman of the Department of Public Health at the University of Dhaka. Public health is at a transformative moment—both in Bangladesh and across the world where rapid social, environmental, and technological changes demand new ways of thinking and acting. Our department is committed to nurturing a new generation of public health professionals who are equipped with strong analytical skills, scientific rigor, ethical commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility toward society. We envision this department as a dynamic hub where innovative ideas, advanced research, and practical solutions converge to improve the health and well-being of our communities.
As public health challenges become more complex, ranging from infectious disease outbreaks, climate-driven health crises, and chronic disease burdens to demographic transitions and emerging global health threats, the need for multidisciplinary collaboration has never been greater. Our academic programs, research initiatives, and partnerships are designed to meet these demands by integrating biological sciences, social sciences, data analytics, environmental studies, and community-based public health. We encourage our students and researchers to think critically, engage responsibly, and innovate boldly, guided by global best practices and grounded in the realities of Bangladesh.
Research lies at the heart of our mission. We aim to build a vibrant research culture that promotes high-quality investigations into the health issues most relevant to Bangladesh, such as maternal and child health, nutrition, health systems, environmental health, climate change, infectious diseases, migration, ageing, and more. By fostering a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research and encouraging collaborations with national and international institutions, we strive to generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens health systems, and drives social progress. Our goal is to position the Department of Public Health as a leading center of excellence for research, innovation, and policy impact.
As we expand our academic portfolio, including the upcoming Master of Public Health (MPH) program, we warmly invite students, researchers, practitioners, and institutional partners to engage with us. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient future for Bangladesh and beyond. I look forward to working with all of you as we advance our shared vision of strengthening public health education, expanding scientific knowledge, and transforming lives through impactful research and leadership.
Professor Dr M. Rezaul Islam
Professor and Chairman