Prominent Figures in Psychiatry in Bangladesh

The current status of psychiatry in Bangladesh is the summation of all efforts since its commencement in 1957 at Pabna Mental Hospital during the Pakistan period. It is the collective effort of all individuals. However, for historical purposes, we mention the prominent persons of psychiatry in Bangladesh considering their extraordinary contribution to the mental health of the country. We mention the personal history of Professor Dr. AKM Nazimuddowla Chowdhury who is the first psychiatrist in the country, Professor Dr. Hidayetul Islam who played a fundamental role in the establishment of the National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, Professor Dr. Anwara Begum who is the first female psychiatrist in the country, Dr. Shamim Matin Chowdhury who is the first Child and Adolescent psychiatrist, Professor Dr. Syed Kamaluddin Ahmed for his contribution to research and regional services delivery of mental health, Prof. Dr. Abul Hasnat Mohammad Firoz who contributed to raising awareness and fought against stigma among community people, and Professor Mohammad SI Mullick who contributed to the establishment of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry in the country. We hope this is the beginning of historical contributions for inspiration of future leaders and hopefully, this section will be enriched in the future editions of the book.