United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Affairs Dr Ziauddin Hyder said today that the government is set to introduce mental health screening into the country's healthcare system for the first time. He said the government aims to transform the country's healthcare system from a treatment-centred model to a preventive one. As part of this initiative, Primary Health Care Units will be established in every union and ward across the country, while the recruitment process for 100,000 health workers is currently underway. IEB seminar stresses importance of healthy lifestyle These health workers will visit every household once every two months to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and will also conduct mental health screenings. The government is also planning to train doctors at the upazila level in mental healthcare so they can identify mental health problems at an early stage. Dr Hyder made the remarks while addressing a day-long workshop titled "Mental Health First Aid" as the chief guest on Saturday at the seminar room of the Department of Pharmacy at Dhaka University. The workshop was organised by the GRIT Foundation. Speaking at the event, Dr Hyder said the true extent of mental health problems in Bangladesh remains largely unknown. Although surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019 highlighted the country's alarming mental health situation, social stigma surrounding mental illness continues to persist. "Being depressed or frustrated does not mean someone is mentally unstable. It is a common health condition, and we can overcome this challenge through collective efforts and by changing society's mindset," he said. He also expressed concern over the state of the country's education and healthcare systems, arguing that excessive academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, and increasing social isolation are worsening mental health problems among students. According to him, weakening family and social bonds in modern society have led to greater loneliness, which has become one of the major contributors to mental health issues. Highlighting the importance of sports and cultural activities in children's mental development, Dr Hyder said the government is planning to make sports a compulsory subject from Grade Three to create a more enjoyable learning environment. He added that greater emphasis will also be placed on involving children in music, cultural programmes, and other creative activities. Speaking as the chair of the programme, GRIT Foundation Chairperson and Member of Parliament Mahmuda Habiba said Bangladesh has fewer than 400 trained psychiatrists for a population of nearly 200 million, meaning there is only one psychiatrist for roughly every 700,000 people. She noted that producing a new specialist takes between five and seven years. Therefore, she stressed the need for six-month to one-year short-term training programmes to develop skilled personnel capable of providing primary mental healthcare services.

Three children died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Saturday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 753. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 660, while the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths remained unchanged at 93. Bangladesh reports 3 more suspected measles deaths, toll reaches 745 A total of 702 new suspected measles cases were reported during the period, bringing the cumulative number of suspected cases nationwide to 110,601. Meanwhile, 84 new confirmed measles cases were recorded, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 13,410. Since March 15, a total of 93,491 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 89,762 have recovered, according to DGHS data.

Three children died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Friday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 750. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 657, while the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths remained unchanged at 93. A total of 901 new suspected measles cases were reported during the period, bringing the cumulative number of suspected cases nationwide to 109,899. Meanwhile, 128 new confirmed measles cases were recorded, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 13,326. Since March 15, a total of 92,831 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 89,234 have recovered, according to DGHS data.

Two more children died with symptoms consistent with measles in 24 hours until 8:00am on Thursday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 746. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 654, while the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths remained unchanged at 93. A total of 818 new suspected measles cases were reported during the period, bringing the cumulative number of suspected cases nationwide to 108,998. Meanwhile, 128 new confirmed measles cases were recorded, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 13,198. Since March 15, a total of 92,031 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 88,419 have recovered, according to DGHS data.

Bangladesh recorded three more deaths from dengue and 251 new cases in  24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday. With the latest fatality, the dengue death toll has risen to 22 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation, Khulna and Barishal divisions, it said. With the latest admissions, the total number of dengue cases reported in the country this year has reached 7, 557. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths.

Public health experts on Tuesday called for ensuring the use of opaque and food-grade packaging at every stage of edible oil marketing to preserve Vitamin A in fortified edible oil and ensure its safety throughout the supply chain, from crude edible oil import to retail distribution. They stressed that transparent packaging should be phased out and replaced with opaque packaging to protect the nutritional quality of fortified edible oil. Dengue now a year-round public health challenge, coordinated action essential: Experts The call was made at a roundtable discussion titled “Safe and Quality Edible Oil for Better Health: An Expert Dialogue,” organized by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh at the Holiday Inn in Dhaka. The dialogue was moderated by Mushtak Hasan Muhammad Iftikhar, Consultant of the Large Scale Food Fortification–Bangladesh Country Advocacy Project and Founding Chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority. The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, representatives of edible oil refineries, regulatory agencies, and policymakers. The discussion highlighted that refining edible oil at temperatures above 230°C to achieve greater clarity increases the formation of trans fat, which poses significant health risks to consumers. Speaking on the use of loose edible oil, Professor Moloy Kanti Mridha of BRAC University said that, according to the National Nutritional Surveillance conducted by his institution, 51 percent of households currently use packaged edible oil, while 49 percent still rely on loose edible oil. Participants emphasized the urgent need to introduce opaque packaging to protect Vitamin A in fortified edible oil, noting that several viable opaque packaging options are already available in Bangladesh. Referring to food-grade packaging, S. M. Abu Sayeed, representative of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), stated that food-grade certification for edible oil packaging must be obtained from the Product Certification Committee. However, the use of the food-grade symbol has not yet been made mandatory. Professor Liaquat Ali, Chair of Pathikrit Foundation, underscored the importance of epidemiological evidence, noting that different types of edible oil have varying impacts on human health. He added that lifestyle, dietary habits, and changing cultural practices collectively influence public health and emphasized the need for more public health research in this area. Sultan Alam, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, observed that DO dealers often transport edible oil in chemical drums that cannot be properly identified. He noted that discontinuing the use of such drums would help improve the quality of edible oil. He also urged research institutions to inform the relevant government authorities before publicly releasing research findings. The dialogue concluded with several key recommendations, including strengthening coordination between refineries and regulatory agencies to resolve differences regarding the adoption of 100 percent opaque and food-grade packaging; regulating the use of loose edible oil in food processing industries as well as hotels and restaurants; issuing the “Guidelines for Hotels, Restaurants and Commercial Food Preparation Establishments” under Section 8 of the Vitamin A Fortification of Edible Oil Act, 2013; and ensuring heavy metal testing during port clearance of imported crude edible oil. Among others, the event was attended by Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Professor Md. Younusur Rahman, Director of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute; Mr. Md. Kutubul Alam, Senior General Manager, Meghna Group of Industries; and Mr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam, General Manager (QC, QA and Compliance), TK Group.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors and entrepreneurship to transform Bangladesh's healthcare system. “Increasing budgetary allocations alone would not be enough to improve the country's health sector,” he said while speaking as the special guest at a programme titled "Pathways to Health Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh" held at a hotel in Dhaka. Amir Khosru's first budget lays out his reform agenda for capital market He said effective utilisation of existing resources, coupled with constructive dialogue and policy guidance involving both public and private stakeholders, would play a crucial role in building a sustainable healthcare system. "The initiative to establish a forward-looking and effective advisory coalition for the health sector is a welcome step," he said. Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation, attended the event as the chief guest. Highlighting Bangladesh's strengths, the Finance Minister said the country already has capable entrepreneurs, diagnostic centres, private hospitals and a robust pharmaceutical industry. He noted that the 2026-27 national budget includes substantial support for the pharmaceutical sector, particularly for the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), including the establishment of a dedicated zone. "The real challenge is how we integrate these significant capabilities into the mainstream healthcare system," he said. The Minister expressed concern over Bangladesh's high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, describing it as one of the highest in the world. He said reducing the financial burden on patients would require stronger integration between public and private healthcare providers to deliver affordable and accessible services. Describing healthcare as a fundamental right of every citizen, Amir Khosru said the government is shifting its focus towards primary and preventive healthcare. He said around 100,000 health workers are being deployed to strengthen health awareness and services at the grassroots level. Rather than investing heavily in additional public healthcare infrastructure, the government has adopted a policy of making better use of the expertise and capacity already available in the private sector, he added. The Minister also said the budget offers significant incentives to encourage both local and foreign investors to manufacture healthcare equipment in Bangladesh, adding that the initiative has already received a strong response from entrepreneurs. He expressed confidence that Bangladeshis could become among the world's leading entrepreneurs if provided with appropriate opportunities and supportive policies. "The political philosophy of the present government is private sector-led growth. Our leadership firmly believes in empowering the private sector, and we are working tirelessly to bring about positive change in the country," he said. The Finance Minister said the government's policy support, visionary leadership and the efforts of talented entrepreneurs would together help deliver quality healthcare services to people's doorsteps and make a transformative contribution to the country's health sector.

Balanced nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and regular physical exercise are the keys to long-term wellbeing, speakers said at a health and wellness seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital on Sunday. The seminar, titled "Health & Wellness Seminar-2026: The Science of Lifelong Health: Nutrition and Lifestyle," was arranged at the seminar hall of the old IEB building to promote health awareness among engineers and highlight the importance of healthy living. Sustainable Financing essential to tackle Hypertension: Speakers at webinar marking World Health Day The event was chaired by IEB President and RAJUK Chairman Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Riju). Addressing the seminar, Riazul Islam said changing lifestyles had significantly altered people's eating habits, with many, particularly young people, becoming increasingly dependent on fast food and sugary soft drinks. He warned that excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, trans fats and unhealthy fats was increasing the risks of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and kidney-related illnesses. Delivering the welcome address, IEB Honorary Assistant Secretary (Administration and Finance) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Russell said the institution had long been working to enhance engineers' professional skills, technological knowledge and leadership through its 18 centres, 34 sub-centres and 14 overseas chapters. He said that besides professional development, ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of engineers had become one of the organisation's priorities, which inspired it to organise its first dedicated health seminar. The keynote paper was presented by Prof Dr Md Mojibul Haque, Medical Consultant and Clinical Research Manager at Biologics–Quantum Cellular Medicine (QCM), USA, and Professor of Integrative Medicine at Washington University of Science and Technology. He said good health was not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. Referring to the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and mental health disorders, he said many of these conditions could be prevented through healthy eating, regular exercise and lifestyle modifications. He also highlighted the health benefits of fasting, saying that scientific studies suggest properly practised fasting may improve metabolism, support weight management and contribute to long-term health, although it should be undertaken considering an individual's age, physical condition and medical advice. Emphasising the importance of physical activity, he recommended at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, such as walking, jogging or cycling, to improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, reduce weight and relieve stress. On sleep, he said adults should aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to support cell repair, memory, immunity and mental wellbeing. The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where participants discussed nutrition, exercise, healthy eating habits and maintaining wellbeing despite busy professional lives. The vote of thanks was delivered by IEB Vice-President (S&W) Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, while the session was moderated by Honorary Assistant Secretary (S&W) Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has warned that officials found guilty of negligence or corruption in the health sector will be removed from their jobs, wherever such irregularities are detected. "Wherever negligence and corruption are found, the responsible person will be dismissed. I don't believe in transfers or postings as punishment, work must be done with honesty. No corruption or bribery will be tolerated," the minister said while addressing the 31st annual general meeting of Narsingdi Diabetic Samity as chief guest at Shishu Academy auditorium in Narsingdi on Saturday. The minister said 50-bed dialysis centres would be set up at every medical college hospital in the country. Union-level community clinics would be renovated and revamped, with more doctors and health workers appointed. Family planning centres would also be upgraded. He expressed hope that a positive transformation in the health sector would be visible by 2026. The minister said new programmes were being undertaken in every sector to ensure people's development and to help Bangladesh hold its head high on the world map. Describing this year's health sector budget as an "ideal" one, he said every taka allocated to the sector would be spent with proper accountability and free from corruption. The event was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner and Diabetic Samity president Israt Jahan Keya. Khairul Kabir Khokon, BNP joint secretary general and MP from Narsingdi-1 (Sadar), also spoke at the programme.

The total number of dengue cases reported in the country this year has reached 6,871 as 271 new patients admitted to hospitals across the country in 24 hours till Sunday morning. Besides, the dengue death toll reached 19 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). DGHS data shows that 52.4 percent of this year’s dengue patients are male, while 47.6 percent are female.. According to DGHS records, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths in 2025.