Rotary International Bangladesh organized a press conference to mark the inauguration of the Rotary Year 2026–2027. On Tuesday at National Press Club, Dhaka The event reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service in the fields of education, healthcare, environmental protection, maternal and child health, peacebuilding, youth development, and community development.

The press conference was chaired by Abul Khair Chowdhury, Chairman of the Rotary Year Launching Press Conference, while PDG Dr. Ishtiaq Zaman, Country Coordinator, delivered the keynote address. The event was also addressed by PDG Shamsul Huda,  Coordinator; M. Mahmudul Hasan, Prof. Dr. Humayun Kabir, President of Rotary Club of Dhaka Cosmopolitan and Rotarian Lubna Afroz.

In his keynote address, Dr. Ishtiaq Zaman said Rotary is a non-political, voluntary humanitarian organization serving communities in more than 200 countries and geographical areas through a global network of over 1.3 million Rotarians. He emphasized that Rotarians worldwide are dedicated to serving distressed, underprivileged, disaster-affected, and marginalized people.

Referring to the 2026–2027 Rotary theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” he called upon all Rotarians in Bangladesh to undertake innovative, sustainable, and impactful service projects that bring lasting positive change to society.

Dr. Zaman further said Rotary would continue to strengthen its humanitarian initiatives in Bangladesh by expanding membership, developing youth leadership, promoting social responsibility, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PDG Shamsul Huda said that through coordinated efforts and collective leadership, Rotary’s humanitarian services would be further strengthened and expanded across Bangladesh during the new Rotary year.

Rtn. M. Mahmudul Hasan highlighted the importance of collaboration among Rotary leaders and members to enhance Rotary’s public image and maximize the impact of its service projects throughout the country.

In his welcome remarks, Abul Khair Chowdhury said that the support of the media would help communicate Rotary’s humanitarian work more effectively to people across Bangladesh. He added that Rotary’s mission is to create lasting positive change and build a more compassionate and caring world through its motto, “Service Above Self.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Humayun Kabir urged  all Rotarians to remain united in advancing Rotary’s humanitarian mission and expanding its service activities throughout the country.

The press conference was attended by journalists from leading media organizations, Rotary leaders, Rotarians, and distinguished guests.