Currently, about 67% of deaths in Bangladesh are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Without effective prevention and control, these diseases will continue to hinder the country’s overall development. Experts emphasized that controlling NCDs is not solely the responsibility of the health sector—other sectors, especially local government, must also take an active role.
These views were expressed during a webinar titled “Role of Public Health Professionals in Promoting a Healthy Diet and Physical Activity”, organized by the Bangladesh Cancer Society, Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA), and Citizen Network on Friday, February 1, 2022, at 9:00 PM.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Farooq, Project Director of the Bangladesh Cancer Society, while the main paper was presented by Professor AFM Sarwar, Research Consultant, CLPA.
Md. Aminul Islam, Program Advisor, CLPA, delivered the welcome speech, introducing the participants and opening the session.
Highlights from the Webinar
Professor AFM Sarwar explained that a review of existing laws on NCD control identified 16 laws related to maintaining playgrounds and open spaces, 6 laws addressing unhealthy food control, and 30 additional laws from 11 ministries promoting healthy, fresh food. He discussed whether new laws or awareness campaigns are more effective in driving behavior change.
He shared an inspiring example from Nagana City, Japan, highlighting the “Pin Pin Korori” concept, where citizens have adopted healthy lifestyles to prevent NCDs. Professor Sarwar concluded that awareness alone is not enough—effective guidelines, policies, and laws are essential to promote healthy diets and physical activity.
Key Discussion Points from Participants
Professor Dr. Sohail Reza Chowdhury, National Heart Foundation:
Emphasized that controlling NCDs requires collective responsibility beyond the health sector, with local government playing the most crucial role.
Nusrat Jahan, Deputy Director, National Nutrition Council:
Highlighted the shortage of iodized food and the importance of nutrition education in schools and efforts to combat malnutrition.
Dr. Afsana Habib Shiuli, Head of Health and Nutrition, Helen Keller International:
Noted that although Bangladesh is the third-largest vegetable producer, many families sell their produce instead of consuming it. She encouraged home gardening, urban agriculture, and year-round food production, urging policymakers to support research and policy promoting urban agriculture. She also called for healthy food marketing, especially in schools, and training on nutritious cooking.
Dr. Atiqul Haque, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, BSMMU:
Reported that many adolescents in urban areas do not consume enough vegetables as recommended by the World Health Organization. He emphasized the need for laws and public education promoting healthy eating habits.
Professor Dr. Syed Morshed Maula, Head of Dental Unit, Dhaka Community Medical College:
Pointed out that existing health laws are not well-known and called for education-sector involvement in promoting dietary awareness. He stressed the importance of reducing junk food consumption and increasing physical activity to improve heart health.
Humayun Kabir:
Urged mass awareness campaigns and community-level action plans to prevent NCDs. He proposed establishing gymnasiums in schools.
Dr. Mohammad Saeed Sosain, Treasurer, Bangladesh Society of Radiation Oncologists:
Described NCD prevention as a multisectoral issue requiring a national workshop. He emphasized reviewing existing laws, identifying gaps, and enhancing the sports environment in schools.
Dr. Shravra Debnath, Medical Officer, National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital:
Highlighted the lack of nutrition counseling for patients and called for government-led programs to integrate diet and exercise education into healthcare and school curricula.
Dr. Mohammad Abdullah-al-Noman, Resident Surgeon, National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital:
Suggested adding Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments to annual physical reports of government officials and advocated for funding local research on NCD prevention. He also proposed making physical activity and swimming mandatory in schools.
Dr. Shamim:
Emphasized greater awareness of the Health Education Act and promoting indoor physical activity in urban settings while ensuring healthy diets in rural areas. He also called for stricter regulation of unhealthy food sales.
Professor Alia Shahnewaz, Department of Radiotherapy, Dhaka Medical College:
Noted that many schools lack playgrounds and questioned the effectiveness of physical education programs, highlighting the availability of unhealthy foods in school cafeterias.
Closing Remarks
In his closing statement, Md. Aminul Islam, Program Advisor, CLPA, reaffirmed that local government plays a vital coordinating role among implementing agencies for public health laws and infrastructure development. He stressed that along with government efforts, collaboration from various organizations and public awareness are essential.
He concluded that preventing non-communicable diseases is achievable through collective effort and effective coordination across all sectors.