Bangladesh observes International Nurses Day with various programmes across the country. In addition to colourful rallies and discussion meetings in Dhaka and Narail, organisers have arranged numerous other events throughout the day.
Nurses are the ones who spend the most time alongside the sick in hospital corridors, the bustle of emergency departments, or the silence of wards deep into the night. From implementing a doctor’s advice to providing physical and mental care to patients, these healthcare workers play the most vital role, yet their contributions often remain behind the scenes.
To honour these silent servants, International Nurses Day is observed annually on 12 May. The tradition of celebrating this day began to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially recognised the day in 1974.
Florence Nightingale gained worldwide recognition through her service to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. At the Barrack Hospital in Scutari, she not only cared for patients but also established new standards of hygiene and humanity in healthcare.
She became known as The Lady with the Lamp because she checked on patients in the dark of night while holding a lamp in her hand.
Every year, the ICN prepares and distributes various promotional and educational materials to mark International Nurses Day. These materials highlight the significance of the dedicated and innovative work of nurses globally.
They also emphasise that the contribution of nurses is indispensable to the progress of healthcare at both national and international levels.
The theme for this year has been set as, “Our Nurses, Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.” The main message this time is a call to make the role of nurses in the health sector even more powerful and dignified.
