The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh arranged a public seminar in the capital on Sunday, marking World Hypertension Day 2026 and making awareness about risks of high blood pressure.
The seminar was jointly organised by its hospital and research institute in Mirpur under the theme: "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer."
The organisation has also launched a month-long nationwide programme, including rally, scientific seminar, free blood pressure screening, and awareness campaign.
Foundation President Professor Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi said non-communicable diseases are rising rapidly in Bangladesh, noting that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications.
He stressed the need for greater public awareness, early diagnosis, and regular treatment to prevent hypertension-related illnesses.
Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni attended the event as the chief guest. He said unhealthy lifestyles, food adulteration, excessive salt intake, and a lack of regular health check-ups are increasing the risk of hypertension in the country.
He urged people to adopt healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, and seek timely medical care.
Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury presented a keynote paper at the seminar. He said excessive salt intake is one of the main causes of high blood pressure and called for stronger policies to reduce salt content in processed foods.
Senior Consultant Cardiologist Professor Dr. Towfiq Shahriar Haque highlighted the foundation's ongoing activities and nationwide programme for the prevention and control of heart disease.
According to the foundation, more than 8 million people have undergone blood pressure screening under the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative (BHCI). Over 1 million patients with hypertension and diabetes have also received treatment support.
The foundation further said that 59 per cent of registered patients now have controlled blood pressure. It has also introduced the SIMPLE digital app in 328 health centres to improve patient management and follow-up services.
The BHCI model in Bangladesh has been recognised in the Global Report on Hypertension 2025 as an effective and scalable initiative.
