A national conference was held on Monday in IDEIB, Dhaka to mark World Physiotherapy Day, organized by the Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA) and the Combined Physiotherapy Practitioners Council.

The theme of this year’s event was: “Physiotherapy plays an important role in maintaining the health of elderly people and preventing age-related problems.”

Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and President of the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council, was the chief guest.

He said elderly people make up 10 percent of Bangladesh’s population, and by 2050, one-third of the population will be elderly, and so he emphasized that physiotherapy is vital for their health and that the government is working to raise awareness and provide policy support in this field.

Other speakers highlighted the need for licensing and registration of physiotherapy practitioners and improving service quality.

BPA demands immediate end to ‘illegal’ raids on physiotherapy centers

They also urged the government to appoint physiotherapists from primary to tertiary levels in the 9th-grade pay scale.

The conference was attended by physiotherapy professionals, academics, policymakers, and media representatives from across the country.

Organizers hope the event will help expand and improve physiotherapy services in Bangladesh.