A reception was organized to honor Dr. Abul Hussam, Associate Professor of the George Mason University, USA, on June 26, 2007 in the seminar room of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, BCSIR Laboratories, Dhaka. Dr. Hussam won the Gold Award of USD 1 million for the innovation of "SONO Filter", a device for the removal of arsenic from ground water. The award was given by the National Academy of Engineers, USA, who organized the competition

The reception was organized by the Federation of Biological and Chemical Societies of Bangladesh at the initiative of the Bangladesh Chemical Society. It was presided over by Professor A. J. Mahmood, past President of the BCS. Honorary Membership of the BCS was conferred on Dr. Hussam. Professor M. M. Rahman, the President of the BCS, read out citation, in which he lauded not only the scientific achievements of Dr.Hussam, but also his patriotism and humane nature.

Dr. Hussam decided to spend 70% of his award money to supply “SONO Filters” to poor families in Bangladesh. Dr. Hussam presented a scientific lecture on his research works leading to the innovation of his “SONO Filter”.

The function was also addressed by Professor Chowdhury Mahmudul Hasan, the Chairman of the BCSIR. The welcome address was given by Professor Anwar Hussain, the President of the Graduate Biochemists Association, a member society of the FBCS.

In his presidential speech, Professor Mahmood underscored the honor which Dr. Hussam brought to the community of chemists in Bangladesh, and to the Department of Chemistry of the Dhaka University, where Dr. Hussam had carried out his undergraduate studies.

In a solemn ceremony held on December 31, 2007 in the conference room of the Department of Chemistry, Dhaka University, BCS Gold Medal 2007 was awarded to Professor Syed Zahir Haider, a former teacher of the Department of Chemistry, Dhaka University, and a former President of the Bangladesh Chemical Society, for his life-time achievements in chemical research and contribution to chemistry education in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Chemical Society.

Over a hundred members of the BCS attended the ceremony, presided over by Professor M. M. Rahman, the President of the Society. Professor Syed Safiullah, a former student of Professor Haider, delivered the felicitation speech. Professor M. Muhibur Rahman, the President of the BCS, read out the citation conferring Honourary Fellowship of the BCS on Professor Haider, and awarding him BCS Gold Medal 2007. In the citation, he attempted to portray the great personality of Professor Haider.

and the President read out the citation. Professor A. J. Mahmood and Professor S. N. Nabi also spoke on the occasion about the life and personality of Professor Haider. Due to illness, Professor Haider could not personally attend the ceremony, and his acceptance speech was read out by his grand son Mr. Syed Ihtesham Haider. After the ceremony, the President along with some senior members of the Society, visited Professor Haider in his residence, and handed over the citation and the Gold Medal.