North South University (NSU) in Dhaka has hosted Bangladesh’s first sitting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Examination, a globally recognised credentialing test for oncology professionals. 

The 2025 session ran on Saturday (October 18) at NSU’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in line with ESMO protocols. 

The assessment was held concurrently with the main ESMO Examination window (13:00–15:30 CEST) linked to ESMO Congress 2025, with parallel centres operating worldwide. 

ESMO’s official schedule lists Dhaka among approved venues, alongside sites such as Athens, Baghdad, Biratnagar, Cairo, Istanbul and others. 

Local organisers said hosting the exam in Bangladesh reduces barriers for candidates who previously had to travel abroad, and is expected to boost participation while strengthening the country’s oncology workforce. The move was flagged earlier this year by national media and ESMO partner communications. 

The ESMO Examination tests clinical knowledge and decision-making in medical oncology. Outside Switzerland and Slovenia—where it serves as the written component of board certification—the exam certifies advanced competency according to ESMO criteria. 

Founded in 1975, ESMO is a leading professional organisation for medical oncologists, supporting education, guidelines and career development through its congresses and training programmes. 

SMS/