SMC holds press meet for 50th Anniversary

A 'Meet the Press' event occurred today (Wednesday, 15th January 2025) at the Social Marketing Company (SMC) 's head office in Dhaka on the eve of its 50th Anniversary, which will be celebrated on 25^th January 2025.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr Waliul Islam, Chairman of SMC and SMC Enterprises Ltd.; Mr Toslim Uddin Khan, Managing Director and CEO of SMC; Mr Saif Nasir, Managing Director of SMC Enterprises Ltd.; and other senior officials of both entities.

During the briefing, Mr Toslim Uddin Khan highlighted SMC's milestone of completing five decades of impactful contributions to Bangladesh's health sector. He emphasised that this achievement reflects the organisation's relentless dedication to improving the nation's health. Mr Khan thanked the Government of Bangladesh, USAID, media professionals, well-wishers, and consumers of SMC's products and services. He further shared that approximately 50% of modern family planning users in Bangladesh depend on SMC-branded contraceptives. SMC's OR Saline has significantly contributed to reducing infant mortality rates due to diarrhoea since the 1980s by ensuring its nationwide availability. The organisation continues implementing health and nutrition programs nationwide for mothers, children, adolescents, and families.

Mr Saif Nasir elaborated on the contributions of SMC Enterprises Ltd., which was established in 2014 to drive sustainable public health initiatives. In addition to its health programs, the subsidiary markets a range of public health products, including oral saline, baby nutrition powder, electrolyte drinks, deworming tablets, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and fortified biscuits.

Finally, Mr Waliul Islam attributed SMC's success to strong institutional governance, strategic planning, dedicated leadership, and the unwavering support of the government and development partners. He expressed optimism for the future, stating that SMC will continue expanding its programs to enhance the quality of life for Bangladesh's women, children, and families. The event concluded with the unveiling of SMC's 50th-anniversary logo. Senior officials from SMC and SMC Enterprises Ltd. attended the ceremony.