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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for greater public awareness and coordinated efforts to prevent and control diabetes, describing the disease as a growing public health challenge in Bangladesh and worldwide.
“Raising awareness about diabetes and adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the risks and complications of the disease,” he said in a message issued on Friday ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14.
The theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day is “Diabetes: Act Now”.
The prime minister said people living with diabetes could lead healthy, normal and productive lives through proper treatment and regular care. Those who have not developed the disease should also take preventive measures through regular health check-ups, balanced diets and physical exercise.
Diabetes has become one of the major public health challenges globally, while the number of people affected by the disease in Bangladesh is steadily increasing, he said.
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage vital organs, including the heart, kidneys and eyes, and its complications can even be life-threatening, Tarique said.
However, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and a conscious lifestyle can help keep the disease under control, he added.
Ensuring healthcare for everyone and raising awareness about the prevention of non-communicable diseases are among the government’s key priorities, the prime minister said.
He stressed that timely measures and collective initiatives were essential to address the growing burden of diabetes.
The government wants to ensure quality healthcare for all so that people can lead healthy, productive and dignified lives, he said, adding that achieving this goal required joint efforts by the government, healthcare institutions, doctors, health workers and people from all walks of life.
A healthy and productive population is one of the main foundations of national development and prosperity, Tarique said. Good health not only improves individual quality of life but also contributes to the progress of families, society and the country as a whole.
He noted that World Diabetes Day was being observed this year, as in previous years, through the initiative of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BADAS).
The prime minister said the day had gained recognition from the United Nations through Bangladesh’s initiative and efforts and had been observed globally for the past two decades.
Since its establishment, BADAS has played an important role in diabetes prevention, expanding treatment services, conducting research and raising public awareness, he said.
He praised the organisation’s efforts to bring diabetes prevention and treatment services closer to people across the country and expressed hope that it would further expand its activities in the coming years.
The government would continue to provide necessary support for preventing and controlling diabetes, he added.
Tarique also extended greetings to BADAS members, doctors, health workers, people living with diabetes and others involved in the observance, wishing success to all programmes organised to mark World Diabetes Day 2026.
