World Laboratory Day 2026 was held at BMU in the capital today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 24, 2026 (BSS) - Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Professor Dr F. M. Siddiqui today said the overall standard of a hospital largely depends on the quality of its laboratory services, stressing that modern and standard laboratories are essential for accurate and timely disease diagnosis.

He underscored the need to further enhance laboratory facilities to make them more advanced, accessible and time-efficient.

The vice-chancellor made the remarks while addressing a programme as the chief guest, marking World Laboratory Day 2026 at BMU in the capital.

The day was observed through a colourful rally, documentary screening, poster presentation and stall exhibition on the university premises.

A rally was brought out in the morning from the university's Battala area, which paraded different roads of the campus.

Later, a documentary screening along with poster and stall exhibitions was held at Shaheed Dr Milon Hall.

This year's theme was "Biomedical Laboratory Scientists: Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics".

The VC said measures must be ensured for rapid sample collection and timely delivery of accurate test reports to patients. He also called for initiatives to secure international accreditation for BMU laboratories.

Expressing optimism, he said BMU would develop into one of the country's most reliable modern referral laboratory centres.

The programme was presided over by Prof Dr Saif Ullah Munshi, Dean of BMU and Director of its Super Specialized Hospital.

He said such initiatives would help improve laboratory services and guide the introduction of new diagnostic tests in line with physicians' needs.

Member Secretary of the Laboratory Service Committee and Associate Professor of the Department of Laboratory Medicine Dr A.S.M. Nawroz conducted the programme.

He said around 5,000 laboratory tests are conducted daily at BMU, while its one-point collection centre operates round the clock.

He also stressed the need for adequate space and improved infrastructure to expand laboratory services.

Chairs of different departments, teachers, physicians and students were present at the event.