Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, is going to receive a special honorary doctorate degree for her contribution to autism. President Mohammad Abdul Hamid will present the honorary degree to her at the fourth convocation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
The convocation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 13th, in the esteemed premises of the university. The Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU, Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed, has confirmed this news to reporters. President Md. Abdul Hamid, along with two distinguished senior professors, orthopedic surgeon Prof. Kazi Shahidul Alam and virologist Prof. Nazrul Islam, will handover the honorary doctorate degree to Saima Wazed.
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Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed said in this context that Saima Wazed has become a distinguished figure, not only in Bangladesh but across the globe, due to her tireless efforts towards the cause of autism. “At the same time, she contributed much to promoting Bangladesh all over the world. Her dedication towards this cause has been unwavering over a prolonged period, and thus, she is being awarded an honorary doctorate degree by our university,” he said.
Excellence of Saima Wazed
Saima Wazed holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology, both from Barry University in the USA. She went on to further her education by earning a specialist degree in school psychology in 2004. During her time at Barry University, she conducted research on the development of women in Bangladesh, which garnered recognition as the best scientific presentation by the Florida Academy of Science.
Saima Wazed has been working on issues related to autism and neurological complexities in children since 2008. Her efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness about autism and advocating for the rights of children with neurological disorders. In 2011, she organised the first South Asian Autism Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which brought together experts and stakeholders from across the region to discuss and address the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families.
Since 2013, Saima Wazed has been serving as a mental health expert consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO). Her expertise has conferred her with WHO’s prestigious Award for “Excellence in Public Health“ in 2014. The granddaughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the first person to receive such esteemed award for her work in the area of autism and neurodevelopment disorders.
The PM’s daughter is now working as the chairperson of the Shuchona Foundation and an advisor on mental health and autism to the director general of the World Health Organization.
Details about the convocation
The fourth convocation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) is scheduled to take place today at 4 p.m. in the Bangmata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Convention Hall. The President of Bangladesh and the Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Abdul Hamid, will preside over the ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Sharfuddin Ahmed will deliver the welcome speech. Health Minister Zahid Malek and Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni will deliver speeches as special guests on the occasion. Moreover, Professor Rajavardhan Azad, Chairman of the University Service Commission in Bihar, India, will be present as the Convocation Speaker in the programme.
