Discussion on “Advancing Clinical Dietetics for Better Patient Care” held

To strengthen the effective role of nutritionists and dietitians in improving public health, preventing non-communicable diseases, and ensuring evidence-based nutrition services in Bangladesh, a national dialogue titled “Advancing Clinical Dietetics for Better Patient Care” was held on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, mentioned a press release.

The national dialogue brought together distinguished professionals from the health, nutrition and education sectors, policymakers, physicians, nutritionists, dietitians, academics, researchers, and representatives from various relevant institutions.  

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The session was chaired by Dr Kazi Saifuddin Bennur, Chairman, Su-Swasthyer Bangladesh, and Director, Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC).

Dr Kazi Saifuddin Bennur said that nutrition is a multisectoral issue, but due to its lack of adequate and focused attention, the government is taking initiatives to strengthen the National Nutrition Council with a view to further advancing the sector.

He also welcomed nutritionists to conduct research through BMRC and emphasised the need to create opportunities for translating research findings into entrepreneurship and public benefit.

As the Chief Guest, Dr S M Ziauddin Haider, Hon’ble Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Affairs, addressed the gathering.

He said that the current state of the health workforce is concerning and that the participation of nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals must be increased. He emphasised the need to shift the health system from being predominantly treatment-oriented to one that is more focused on prevention.

He further stated that the role of nutrition professionals must be strengthened to promote healthy longevity and increase their participation in healthcare. He stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of dietitians at the grassroots level, while establishing appropriate systems for professional regulation and institutional education. He also emphasised the need to revise and update curricula and expand professional training.

He added that initiatives would be taken in the future to establish a regulatory system for the profession and called upon all professional organisations and stakeholders to work together toward this objective.

Shamsunnahar Mohua, Chief Nutritionist, BIRDEM Hospital, presented the keynote paper.

In her presentation, she highlighted the current contributions of nutritionists and dietitians to Bangladesh’s healthcare system, existing realities, international experiences, and future priorities. She stated that the importance of scientific and evidence-based nutrition services is continuously increasing in the prevention and management of malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases.

She emphasised that developing a skilled workforce, ensuring quality education and training, expanding research, strengthening professional competencies, and enhancing effective coordination among all relevant stakeholders are essential to achieving these objectives.

A welcome address was delivered by Said Md Baki Billah Tutul, Member, Su-Swasthyer Bangladesh and representing the dietetics profession; Nutritionist Tamanna Chowdhury, Principal Dietician, Evercare Hospital spoke on the occasion, along with Liaquat Ali, Member of the Health Sector Reform Committee and researcher, Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin, Chief Nutritionist and Head of Department at Continental Hospital.

The programme was moderated by Dr Shakhawat Hossain Shayantha, Member, Shusasthyer Bangladesh and Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU).