World Diabetes Day: President, PM Call for Collective Action to Tackle Rising Health Risks
DHAKA, Nov 14: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have called for greater public awareness and coordinated efforts to prevent and control diabetes, warning that the disease is becoming an increasingly serious public health concern in Bangladesh.
In separate messages issued Friday ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed on Saturday, Nov. 14, they stressed the importance of early detection, timely treatment and healthier lifestyles to reduce the growing burden of the disease.
This year’s theme is “Diabetes: Don’t Delay, Act Today.”
In his message, the president described diabetes as a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. He cautioned that poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems, blindness and damage to nerves and blood vessels.
He also warned that the disease can increase the risk of infections and, in severe cases, lead to amputation.
However, the president noted that people with diabetes can maintain healthy, active and productive lives through proper treatment and consistent management.
He attributed the rising prevalence of diabetes partly to rapid urbanization, changing dietary habits and declining levels of physical activity. He urged individuals, families, workplaces and communities to play a more active role in building awareness and encouraging preventive measures.
In his separate message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described diabetes as one of the world’s major public health challenges, expressing concern over the increasing number of people affected by the disease in Bangladesh.
He said uncontrolled diabetes can damage vital organs, including the heart, kidneys and eyes, and may lead to life-threatening complications.
The prime minister emphasized that early diagnosis, appropriate medical care, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and responsible lifestyle choices can help people manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality health care so that citizens can lead healthy, productive and dignified lives.
Achieving this goal, he said, requires coordinated participation from the government, health care institutions, physicians, health workers and the general public.
The prime minister also acknowledged the role of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh in observing World Diabetes Day each year. He noted that Bangladesh’s initiative and efforts had helped secure United Nations recognition for the observance, describing it as a matter of national pride.
He expressed hope that the association would further expand its community services and said government support for diabetes prevention and management would continue. He also extended greetings to the association’s members, medical professionals, health workers and people living with diabetes.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually to highlight the growing impact of diabetes and promote better prevention, diagnosis and care.
Health awareness campaigns emphasize that regular physical activity, healthier eating habits, routine medical checkups and timely treatment can play a vital role in reducing diabetes risks and preventing serious complications.
