The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB on Sunday organised a health seminar in Dhaka highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing non-communicable diseases and ensuring long-term well-being.
Titled “Health & Wellness Seminar 2026: The Science of Lifelong Health: Nutrition and Lifestyle,” the event was held at the seminar room of IEB’s old headquarters building.
The seminar was chaired by IEB President and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Rizu).
Addressing the event, Riazul Islam said changing lifestyles have significantly altered people’s eating habits, with many, particularly younger generations, becoming increasingly dependent on fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages.
He warned that excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, trans fats and unhealthy fats increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and kidney-related illnesses.
“A healthy nation cannot be built without healthy people,” he said, adding that engineers play a crucial role not only in infrastructure development but also in the country’s overall progress.
Maintaining long-term productivity, he noted, requires balanced nutrition, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits.
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Delivering the welcome address, IEB Honorary Assistant Secretary (Administration and Finance) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Russell said the institution has long been committed to enhancing engineers’ professional skills, technical knowledge and leadership through training, seminars and workshops.
He said IEB currently operates through 18 centres, 34 sub-centres and 14 overseas chapters, providing a wide range of professional development activities for engineers at home and abroad.
Russell added that alongside professional excellence, ensuring engineers’ physical and mental well-being is also one of IEB’s priorities.
“This is why we have organised a dedicated health seminar for the first time. A healthy body and a healthy mind are essential for developing competent, innovative and responsible engineers,” he said.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dr Md Mojibul Haque, Medical Consultant and Clinical Research Manager at Biologics–Quantum Cellular Medicine (QCM), USA, and Professor of Integrative Medicine at the Washington University of Science and Technology.
He said good health extends beyond being disease-free, encompassing physical, mental and social well-being.
Highlighting the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and mental health disorders, he said many of these conditions can be prevented through healthier diets, regular exercise and improved lifestyle practices.
Dr Haque noted that technology-driven lifestyles have reduced physical activity while unhealthy eating habits, stress and inadequate sleep continue to undermine overall health.
He also discussed fasting, saying it has been practised for centuries for religious, cultural and health reasons. According to recent scientific studies, properly supervised fasting may improve metabolism, assist in weight management and contribute to long-term health benefits for suitable individuals.
However, he stressed that fasting should be adopted based on an individual’s age, health condition and medical advice.
Emphasising the importance of physical activity, he recommended at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, including walking, jogging or cycling, to support cardiovascular health, control blood pressure, reduce weight and improve mental well-being.
He also underscored the importance of quality sleep, saying adults generally require seven to eight hours of sleep each night to support immune function, memory, cell repair and emotional balance.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants discussed nutrition, exercise, healthy eating habits and practical ways to maintain good health despite demanding professional schedules.
Delivering the vote of thanks, IEB Vice-President (S&W) Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan described the seminar as timely and informative, praising the keynote speaker for presenting research-based insights into nutrition, healthy habits and lifelong wellness.
The programme was moderated by IEB Honorary Assistant Secretary (S&W) Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani.
Among those present were IEB Vice-President (Academic and International) Engineer Khan Monjur Morshed, Vice-President (Administration and Finance) Engineer A.T.M. Tanbir-Ul Hasan (Tamal), IEB Dhaka Centre Chairman Engineer Helal Uddin Talukdar, Honorary Secretary Engineer K.M. Asaduzzaman, Vice-Chairman (Academic and HRD) Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun, members of the IEB Central Council, leaders of various engineering divisions and representatives from engineering organisations.
Participants expressed hope that IEB would continue organising similar initiatives to promote health awareness and support the long-term well-being of the country’s engineering community.