North South University (NSU), the country’s leading private university, has officially inagurated the Industrial Advisory Board of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in a landmark event held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the university's Syndicate Hall, NSU Administrative Building.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of Bangladesh’s top pharmaceutical companies.

The ceremony brought together more than 200 guests, including esteemed faculty members, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and students, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh.

In his welcome address, Professor Dr. Mohammad Hossain Shariare, Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, highlighted the department’s journey and its vision for the future. He also introduced the newly formed Industrial Advisory Board and presented commemorative crests to the 12 distinguished board members.

The Industrial Advisory Board consists of seasoned professionals representing major organizations such as Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Renata PLC, Beacon PLC, Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., ACI Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Evercare Hospital Ltd, Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, and Square Hospital Ltd. These experts bring diverse experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, marketing, research, and clinical practice.

The board is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing NSU’s academic curriculum, encouraging joint research initiatives, strengthening industry-academia partnerships, and increasing employment prospects for graduates. This strategic move further positions NSU as a national and international leader in education-industry collaboration.

Distinguished guests at the event included Dr. Deepak Kumar Mitra, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences; Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor; and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor. All speakers emphasized the need to align educational programs with evolving industry demands to ensure graduates are prepared to compete on the global stage.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the MoU between Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and NSU’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, solidifying a long-term partnership focused on research, innovation, and career development.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the department chair, followed by a guided tour of the department’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.

Members of the Industrial Advisory Board:

Rabbur Reza – Chief Operating Officer, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Md. Nawabur Rahman – Executive Director, Technical Operations, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Ehsan Aziz – Executive Director, Marketing, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Rahat Uzzaman – Director, Marketing, Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Md. Ikhtiar Hossain – Executive Director- Technical, Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Md. Tanbir Sajib – Chief Marketing Officer, Renata PLC

Md. Muhsin Mia – Director, Marketing Operations, ACI Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

S.M. Mahmudul Haque Pallab – Executive VP, Marketing & Sales, Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC

Md. Saiful Islam – Director- Operations, Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Prof. Dr. M.S. Arfin – Director, Bangladesh Specialized Hospital

Dr. Arif Mahmud – Group Medical Director, Evercare Hospital Ltd.

Prof. Dr. Zahidul Hasan – Associate Director, Medical Services & Senior Consultant, Square Hospitals Ltd.