On 13 August 2023, Bangladesh embarked on a journey that leaves a mark on the pages of history, inspiring generations, and brilliance to meet passion and dreams to transform into reality. Bangladesh Medical Students' Society (BMSS), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), organised this remarkable 'WALK THE TALK' event.
For the first time, WALK THE TALK has been organised in Bangladesh with over 500 participants from 45 medical colleges, DNCC, WHO Officials, and distinguished guests from the Government of Bangladesh. Hon. Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Md. Atiqul Islam was present throughout the event as the chief guest. Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh graced the event as the guest of honour. Mr Md. Selim Reza, CEO, Dhaka North City Corporation; Prof. Dr. Md. Shahadat Hossain, Director (MIS), DGHS and Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, Public Health Expert Advisor, DGHS MOHFW; were present as special guests.
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Medical students from different medical colleges in the country attended the event. Photo credit: BMSS Photographer
The event started with a discussion session at the Dhaka North City Corporation conference hall. Participants from different medical colleges shared their thoughts about the Walk The Talk event. At the initial stage of the "Walk The Talk" event, the BMSS and WHO arranged an online photography competition from their social media platforms. The subject of the competition was Dengue awareness & prevention and the importance of physical activity in regular life. BMSS and WHO selected the best photos for the photography exhibition which took place at the same time and date as the WALK THE TALK event and 14 finalists were chosen out of 200 photo submissions as a part of this exhibition. Signing in a theme banner was another attraction of this event. BMSS came up with the theme which is 'Life is a Journey, So Enjoy The Walk' and Honorable guests and participants signed in this theme banner. After that, the main attraction of WALK THE TALK started from Dhaka North City Corporation premises and ended at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park. The event concluded with a yoga session with over 500 participants and WHO and DNCC officials. With this event, Bangladesh created history by organizing the first ever WALK THE TALK in the country and South Asia.
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Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, visits the photo gallery with selected photos from the competition.
With the support of WHO to celebrate the 75-year anniversary of WHO, BMSS set forth on the journey with a single-minded goal: promote the importance of healthy lifestyles, raise awareness on the pursuit of health for all, promote public health, and bring together medical students from across Bangladesh. To create diversity and inclusivity, 20 transgender representatives from the Bondhu Social Welfare organization were invited to make this event gender friendly. Lastly, to join hands in acknowledging the power of dreams, the strength of unity, and the brilliance of young minds, everyone embraced the enchantment of WHO WALK THE TALK Bangladesh 2023, a chapter that history shall cherish, and generations shall cherish. For more information on the issues covered in this web story, please contact ssultana@who.int
Print and electronic media coverage -
Somoy TV News Report:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hr5CBt6Wuvs&feature=share
Deepto TV News Report:
The Financial Express Bangladesh:
https://epaper.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/
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Part of the participants from the Walk the Talk rally. Photo credit: BMSS photographer.