The Department of Microbiology, Khwaja Yunus Ali University (KYAU), observed International Microorganism Day 2026 on September 17 under the theme “Microbes: Powering Life, Driving the Future.” The day-long program brought together approximately 130 undergraduate students of the Department of Microbiology, students from other departments of the School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, faculty members, invited guests, and university officials. The program aimed to highlight the diverse roles of microorganisms in human health, environmental sustainability, food production, biotechnology, and scientific innovation.

The activities began with an awareness rally organized by the Department of Microbiology. A Microbiology Quiz Competition was also organized with participation from undergraduate students across the School of Biomedical and Life Sciences. The competition covered diverse areas of microbiology, including microbial diversity, human health, pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, environmental microbiology, and practical applications. Md. Siam Talukdar, a fourth-year, first-semester student of the Department of Microbiology, secured first place, followed by Md. Amirul Islam Khan in second place and Sumaiya Parvin Reshmi in third place.

The academic segment featured two special sessions focusing on career development and research. Professor Dr. Kazi Manzurul Haque, Vice-Principal and Head of the Department of Microbiology, Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College & Hospital (KYAMCH), delivered a session titled “Career in Microbiology,” highlighting professional opportunities in clinical diagnostics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and industrial microbiology, environmental science, public health, research, and biotechnology. Subsequently, Dr. Mohammad Zakarin Abedin, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, KYAU, delivered a scientific presentation on “Research in Microbiology,” discussing contemporary research opportunities in areas including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and microbial genomics.

The main session was held at Seminar Room in the presence of distinguished university authorities. Professor Dr. Md. Ashraf Ali, Vice-Chancellor, KYAU, attended as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Hossain Reza, Advisor and Professor Emeritus, KYAU; Dr. Mostafa Mahmud Hasan, Director, Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KYAU; and Professor Dr. Fazle Rabbi Shakil Ahmed, Dean, School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, KYAU, attended as Special Guests. The program featured a Qur’an recitation, welcome remarks, scientific discussions, and reflections on the importance of microbiology in addressing emerging challenges in health, food security, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.

The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and commemorative crests to the quiz winners. Md. Babul Aktar, Head of the Department of Microbiology, KYAU, served as Convener and Session Chair and delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing academic excellence, research engagement, and public awareness in microbiology.

Through the integrated program of awareness activities, academic discussions, scientific presentations, and student engagement, the Department of Microbiology reaffirmed its commitment to promoting microbiological education, research, and public awareness among the university community.