Dhaka:A public seminar was held to mark World Heart Day 2026, organized by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh under the theme 'Every Heartbeat Matters.' The event took place at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute and emphasized the importance of cardiovascular disease prevention, risk reduction, timely treatment, and tobacco control.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain attended as the chief guest, and Sharif Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, along with Professor Dr. Nazmul Hosain, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Education, participated as special guests.
Professor Fazila-Tun-Nessa Malik, Secretary General of the National Heart Foundation, highlighted that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, with over 20.5 million fatalities annually. She noted the importance of controlling risk factors and strengthening preventive measures alongside treatment.
Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research, presented a keynote paper recommending measures such as controlling tobacco use, allocating budgets for managing hypertension and diabetes, and reducing salt intake to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. He emphasized the need for effective public health policies and stronger primary healthcare.
Professor Dr. Nazmul Hosain stressed early identification of cardiovascular risk factors and the importance of controlling hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use to reduce the disease burden. Sharif Uddin Ahmed Choudhury called for coordinated action across various sectors to prevent cardiovascular disease, including ensuring tobacco-free workplaces and regulating e-cigarettes.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain assured that government initiatives would enhance accessibility to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. He emphasized public awareness, tobacco control, healthy lifestyles, and early disease detection as government priorities.
Professor Dr. Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi concluded that preventing cardiovascular disease requires coordinated efforts to address risk factors. He called for collaboration among the government, medical professionals, researchers, and the public to ensure effective prevention and treatment at the primary healthcare level.
The seminar also included a vote of thanks by Naushad Hossain, Joint Secretary General of the National Heart Foundation. Attendees included officials, healthcare professionals, media personnel, and representatives from various organizations.
On World Heart Day, the Foundation organized free cardiovascular screening camps and distributed awareness materials, with events held by its 45 affiliated bodies outside Dhaka. A rally on September 29 marked the day, advocating the campaign message 'Don't Miss a Beat,' which stresses the importance of recognizing cardiovascular disease signs and taking prompt action.