Formation of ANRAP

With the above background and realizing the fact that chemical and biological work have to be brought together through collaborative research between the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, the Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, University of Uppsala (UU) Sweden, and Mahidol University (MU), Bangkok, Thailand, on antidiabetic plant materials was developing during 1990-1991. At that time it was felt appropriate to organize a workshop in the field for exchanging views and expertise. With the financial assistance of the International Program in the Chemical Sciences (IPICS), the main sponsor of the collaborative research program, and the International Foundation for Science (IFS), a workshop was held in January 1992 in Dhaka. The interest and enthusiasm seen at the workshop led to organize the First International Seminar in January 1994 on the same subject. The Seminar recognized the importance of a multidisciplinary concerted move for finding out remedy of an incurable disease like diabetes. Recommendation for the formation of ANRAP was made from the Seminar.

The Dhaka research group prepared a proposal for the formation of ANRAP. The proposal was placed at the ACGC (Asian Coordinating Group in Chemistry) meeting in Melaka, Malaysia in June 1994 by Prof M Mosihuzzaman and Prof Nilufar Nahar. Representatives of IPICS, IFS, UNESCO and FACS, Prof Mosihuzzaman and Prof Nilufar Nahar participated at the meeting and the ANRAP proposal was unanimously approved. The ANRAP network was launched in July 1994 with the Organizing Committee of the International Seminar as an ad-hoc committee. The First meeting of the Ad-hoc Committee held in Dhaka in January 1995 adopted the ANRAP constitution and appointed the first ANRAP Board.