North South University on Tuesday launched a three-day festival bringing together students, researchers and healthcare professionals to promote public health awareness, research and community engagement.

The university’s Department of Public Health and the North South University Public Health and Sciences Club jointly organised “Health Fest 2026”, which will run from 14 to 16 July, 2026, on the university campus.

The inaugural ceremony was held at the university’s Lower Plaza and chaired by Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director of icddr,b, called for innovative and evidence-based approaches to address malnutrition, particularly among children.

“Today’s public health challenges, particularly malnutrition and child malnutrition, require innovation, collaboration and evidence-based solutions,” he said. “Young professionals and students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address these challenges and contribute to sustainable healthcare systems.”

MA Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees of North South University, stressed the need to strengthen research capacity and produce internationally recognised studies that contribute to global knowledge and social well-being.

Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees, said the festival would allow students to connect classroom learning with practical experience, foster innovation and develop solutions benefiting society.

Mohammad Faizur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of United Healthcare, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding access to quality healthcare.

“Public-private partnerships are essential to advancing healthcare services and improving access to quality care,” he said.

Dr Kumkum Pervin, Assistant General Manager of Nuvista Pharma PLC, said events such as Health Fest allowed students to engage with health professionals, exchange ideas and better understand the sector’s changing needs.

Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said public awareness, education and research were essential to tackling emerging health and environmental challenges.

“As we work towards achieving global health goals, we must also address pressing challenges such as plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment,” he said. “Through education, research and collective action, we can help ensure better health for all.”

Professor Dr Nasar U Ahmed, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of North South University, encouraged students to embrace innovation, critical thinking and leadership, saying collaboration among academia, industry and policymakers would shape the future of healthcare.

Md Khalid Mahmood Khan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Bank PLC, also attended the ceremony.

Sponsored by Southeast Bank and United Healthcare, the festival features health awareness campaigns, screenings, academic competitions, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and interactive sessions.

The organisers said the event was expected to draw participants from universities, healthcare institutions and other organisations across the country, promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration among students, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry representatives.