A public seminar was held at the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh on the occasion of World Health Day. Titled “Sports Boost Life, Strong Hearts Thrive,” the seminar brought together more than 300 participants from diverse backgrounds, a press release said.
The seminar took place on Tuesday morning at the auditorium of the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute in Mirpur, chaired by Professor Khondkar Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the Foundation.
Professor Fazila-tun-Nesa Malik, Secretary General of the Foundation, delivered the welcome remarks. She noted that non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, are rising at an alarming rate in Bangladesh. In this context, strengthening preventive measures alongside treatment facilities is essential.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Epidemiology and Research Department of the Foundation. He emphasized that human health, animal health, and the environment are closely interconnected. According to the “One Health” concept, a sustainable health system requires integrated consideration of all three sectors.
He further stated that a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Heart Foundation is currently underway to strengthen primary-level healthcare services for non-communicable disease control in over 300 upazilas across the country.
State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque, attended the seminar as the chief guest. He said that the government is working to ensure quality healthcare for all, including plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, introduce e-health cards, and improve services through public-private partnerships. He also warned that the growing use of addictive substances such as tobacco and drugs is pushing young people toward harmful dependency. To address this, the government is promoting healthy lifestyles and considering making sports mandatory in schools. He added that the National Heart Foundation has become a trusted institution for heart patients and should be expanded to divisional levels.
Special guest Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Division, Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, highlighted the increasing use of e-cigarettes among youth and stressed the need for stronger tobacco control laws to protect them.
In his presidential remarks, Professor Khondkar Abdul Awal Rizvi emphasized that regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco use, and engaging in sports are key to preventing heart disease.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Professor Md. Yunusur Rahman, Director of the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute.
Like other countries around the world, Bangladesh is observing World Health Day 2026 with a commitment to building a healthier and safer future for the next generation. This year’s theme is “Science for Health, Safety for All Living Beings.”
