Staff Correspondent: The Bangladesh Small Animal Veterinary Association (BASAVA) successfully inaugurated its first-ever national conference titled “Innovation in Pet Nutrition and Well-being” on 20 December at Hotel Amari Dhaka. The two-day conference (20–21 December 2025) brought together around 150 veterinarians from across Bangladesh who are actively involved in pet animal medicine, marking a significant milestone for the advancement of small animal veterinary practice in the country.
The Inaugural Session began with a warm welcome address by Prof. Dr. KHM Nazmul Hossain Nazir, General Secretary of BASAVA. Prof. Dr. G.K.M Mustafizur Rahman, Vice Chancellor (VC) of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) graced the event as the Chief Guest.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Yousuf Elahi Chowdhury (CVASU) on “Standard Pet Well-being: Integrating Nutrition, Behavior, Environment & Preventive Care of Pets in Bangladesh,” highlighting a holistic and research-oriented approach to pet health management.
The session was further enriched by an expression of gratitude from the sponsor, presented by Mr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, CEO of M/S 3S Impex Bangladesh. Distinguished international experts Dr. Attawit Kovitvadhi and Mr. Nitipong Laohavisit from Thailand attended as special guests. The inaugural program concluded with an inspiring by Acting President of BASAVA, Dr. Sagir Uddin Ahmed, emphasizing innovation, ethics, and continuous professional development in pet animal practice.
In Session 1: Animal Behavior and Wellness was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Yousuf Elahi Chowdhury, with Prof. Dr. KHM Nazmul Hossain Nazir as Co-Chair. Dr. Safiul Ahad Sardar, Convener, Bangladesh Veterinary Association (BVA) presented on pet animal behavior and wellness, stressing the importance of behavioral science in clinical outcomes.
Prof. Dr. Bhajan Chandra Das (CVASU) shared his 26 years of clinical and research-based experience in veterinary orthopedics, both at home and abroad, inspiring young veterinarians to pursue evidence-based clinical excellence. Dr. Md. Ridoan Pasha, Assistant Professor at CVASU, delivered an insightful presentation on “Advanced Haemato-Biochemical Tests in Veterinary Clinical Practice: Paradigm Shift or Midas Touch,” underscoring the growing role of advanced diagnostics in modern veterinary medicine.
In Session 2: Innovations in Pet Nutrition & Health was chaired by Prof. Dr. Bhajan Chandra Das , with Dr. H. M. Shahadat Hossain serving as Co-Chair. International expert Dr. Attawit Kovitvadhi presented on “The Critical Role of Proactive Care in Global Pet Health,” offering a global perspective on preventive and nutrition-based pet care strategies. Mr. Nitipong Laohavisit introduced Kaniva and its production protocol, shedding light on quality assurance and innovation in pet food manufacturing.
The first day of the 1st BASAVA Conference 2025 successfully created a platform for knowledge exchange, international collaboration, and research-driven discussion. The conference strongly encouraged Bangladeshi veterinarians involved in pet animal practice to enhance their clinical skills, research orientation, and evidence-based treatment approaches, paving the way for improved pet healthcare standards across the country.
Dr. H. M. Nazmul Haq, Treasurer of BASAVA, along with the Executive Committee members of the Bangladesh Small Animal Veterinary Association (BASAVA), were present at the event.