Dr Habibullah Talukder receives Rotary International's 'Avenue of Service' award

Rotarian Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, the country's first cancer epidemiologist and prevention specialist, has received Rotary International's prestigious 'Avenue of Service' award for the 2025-26 term in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanitarian service.

The award was presented to him at the inaugural session of the joint membership seminar of Rotary Districts 64 and 65, held at the BIAM Auditorium on Saturday, August 8. The award was handed over on behalf of Rotary International by Country Coordinator and former Governor Ishtiaq Abiduzzaman.

It is known that this year, a total of 10 Rotarians from Bangladesh — five each from Rotary Districts 3284 (64) and 3285 (65) — have received this prestigious award.

Dr Ruskin is a dedicated Rotarian who has previously served as Club President, Assistant Governor, District Cancer Committee Chairman and Deputy Coordinator. He is currently serving as the Training Coordinator for District 64.

After serving with dedication for 30 years in various positions at the National Cancer Research Institute, Dr Ruskin retired as a professor. He is currently working as the Project Coordinator for the development of the 'Gonoshasthaya Community-based Cancer Hospital'. Additionally, he is playing a vital role as an honorary adviser for the 'Begum Khurshid Jahan Haque Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital' project in Dinajpur.

Besides, as President of the Bangladesh Cancer Foundation, Chief Coordinator of the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum, and Chief Adviser of the World Cancer Society Bangladesh, he continues to work tirelessly for cancer prevention, awareness, screening and the welfare of underprivileged patients.