A seminar titled “Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Practice” was held at the Pharmacy Lecture Theater, University of Dhaka on Monday, October 20, 2025. The event was jointly organized by the Faculty of Pharmacy of DU and the Centre for China Studies (CCS) .

Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Dhaka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka and moderated by Amina Alam Kotha, Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology.

The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Rashid, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Dhaka, who is recognized among the top 2% scientists globally by Elsevier. He highlighted that Bangladesh possesses immense potential in utilizing its own natural and herbal resources for pharmaceutical research. “If we can merge traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical technology, as China has done, our drug industry will reach new heights,” he stated. He further emphasized that “there is no conflict between traditional medicine and modern science; rather, the future of healthcare lies in their integration through research, education, and international collaboration.”

Professor Dr. Hailei Zhao, Dean, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), said that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is more than a form of treatment—it is a philosophy that balances the body, mind, and nature. Integrating this wisdom into modern healthcare systems, he noted, is essential for global well-being.

Dr. Yi Li, Associate Professor, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), a renowned acupuncture specialist, explained that acupuncture is a scientific method of balancing the body’s energy flow, or “qi.” She noted that this ancient practice now coexists with modern medicine worldwide and contributes significantly to alternative healthcare systems. Dr. Li later conducted a live acupuncture demonstration on four students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, which drew great interest and engagement from the audience.

Among the other notable participants were Professor Dr. Sheikh Zahir Raihan, Chairman, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and faculty members from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, and BRAC University — including Professor Dr. Raushanara Akter, Acting Chairperson, BRAC School of Pharmacy, and Professor Dr. Sharmind Neelotpol, School of Pharmacy.

At the end of the session, Professor Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, presented crests to the distinguished guests and two Chinese doctors were interviewed by Professor Reza as well.

The seminar also brought together government officials and industry leaders, marking a rare and impactful convergence of academia, government, and industry. Muhammad Mahbubbul Haq, Secretary (Grade-2), Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Akhtar Hossain, Director, Directorate General of Drug Administration, were among the key attendees. Senior executives from Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a pioneering company in oncology and cancer treatment in Bangladesh, also participated.

This event reflects the ongoing mission to strengthen academic and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and China. As medical tourism grows and antibiotic resistance becomes a global concern, CCS aims to foster collaborative research and knowledge-sharing between the two countries in the field of traditional and modern medicine.

Bringing together scholars, policymakers and industry professionals under one roof, the seminar underscored the collective potential of joint initiatives in advancing Bangladesh’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors through innovation, collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.