ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter Officially Launched to Prevent Substance Use

The Bangladesh Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) was officially launched to further strengthen substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives in the country. The launching ceremony was held at 3:00 PM on Thursday (March 5) at the Health Sector conference room of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Shyamoli, Dhaka. The event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, development partners, youth leaders, and professionals working in the field.

The event was chaired by eminent psychiatrist Professor Dr. M. A. Mohit Kamal. Special guests included Mr. Md. Bahauddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control; Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Mr. Abu Taher, National Programme Coordinator (HIV/AIDS), Bangladesh of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Mr. Jahangir Alam, Special Reporter of United News of Bangladesh (UNB); and Ms. Marzana Muntaha, Coordinator of Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Well-being.

Joining the event online was Ms. Olha Myshakivska, National Chapters Coordinator of ISSUP.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Member Secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, stated that substance use is currently a major public health and social concern, significantly affecting individuals, families, and communities. Addressing this challenge requires a combination of scientific knowledge, professional skills, coordinated action, and a humane approach. He emphasized that the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter will serve as an important national platform to foster such coordinated efforts.

He further mentioned that collaboration with ISSUP began in 2015 through initial contact in Bangkok. Since then, participation in international conferences, webinars, and activities has facilitated global knowledge exchange and enabled Bangladesh to showcase its initiatives internationally. In this context, assigning Dhaka Ahsania Mission as the host organization of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter is a significant recognition.

The primary objectives of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter are to promote evidence-based practices, enhance the professional capacity of practitioners, and create opportunities for national and international knowledge exchange. Through this platform, collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community leaders will be strengthened, contributing to more effective and humane responses to substance use issues.

During the event, the official committee of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter was announced, and the Chapter’s logo was unveiled. Speakers expressed optimism that this initiative will further improve professional standards in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services in Bangladesh, while enhancing coordination among relevant sectors.

At the conclusion of the program, guests conveyed their best wishes for the success of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and expressed hope that it would play a vital role in safeguarding public health in the country.

The event was moderated by Ms. Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Representatives from UNODC, the Department of Narcotics Control, researchers, and development partners were also present at the ceremony.