Dhaka: Experts today disclosed that nearly 20 percent of the national population is afflicted with thyroid gland disorders, with a staggering 60 percent of these individuals remaining untreated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this information was shared during a seminar at Bangladesh Medical University in anticipation of World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week 2026, set for May 25. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Thyroid Society.
Speakers at the seminar emphasized the thyroid gland's critical role in the human body despite its small size. They highlighted that early diagnosis and proper treatment can manage thyroid complications, enabling patients to lead healthy lives. However, they cautioned that delayed treatment could lead to severe health issues or even death. Concerns were raised about the millions unaware of their thyroid-related conditions.
Prof Dr F M Siddiqui, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University, attended as the chief guest, with Prof Dr A K M Fazlul Bari, President of the Bangladesh Thyroid Society and Director of NINMAS, presiding over the event. Prof Siddiqui noted the significance of nuclear medicine and allied sciences in diagnosing and treating thyroid diseases. Prof Fazlul Bari explained that the thyroid gland secretes essential hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism, heartbeat, blood pressure, body weight, and temperature, warning that gland complications can disrupt bodily functions.
Prof Fazlul Bari further revealed that 20 percent of Bangladesh's population suffers from thyroid diseases, with women making up five out of every seven patients. Sixty percent of affected individuals lack treatment access, and one in every 2,300 children faces congenital thyroid disorders.
The seminar took place at the Prof Dr Kamaluddin Ahmed Auditorium of NINMAS at the university. Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) of the university, underscored the importance of raising public awareness on thyroid diseases through educational institutions and incorporating the issue into primary healthcare services. He also stressed the need for ongoing research alongside treatment services for thyroid-related diseases.
Former President of the Bangladesh Thyroid Society Prof Dr Fowzia Moslem and former Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Prof Dr M A Karim participated as special guests. Several experts, including Prof Dr Syed Akram Hossain, Prof Dr Faridul Alam, and Prof Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas, contributed as panel experts.
Associate Professor of Endocrinology at Dhaka Medical College Dr M Saifuddin presented two scientific papers titled 'Know, Test, Conquer' and 'Your Thyroid, Your Protector.' Another paper, 'Standardized Reporting Format of Thyroid Ultrasound: An Approach for Thyroid Nodule Evaluation,' was presented by Director of INMAS Sohrwardi and Vice-President of Bangladesh Thyroid Society Prof Dr Zeenat Jabeen.
The seminar concluded with a roundtable discussion at the NINMAS auditorium, focusing on various thyroid disease-related research findings.