Speakers at a webinar marking National Safe Food Day 2026 warned that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension are rising alarmingly in Bangladesh due to unhealthy diets and growing dependence on processed foods. Organized by research and advocacy group PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the event titled “Safe Food and Our Role in Combating Non-Communicable Diseases” emphasized the importance of consumer awareness and front-of-pack labeling to promote healthier food choices.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive intake of salt, sugar, and fat increases the risk of NCDs. The webinar revealed that about 570,263 people die annually in Bangladesh from NCDs, while unhealthy diets cause around 27,387 deaths each year. Experts including Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury and Dr. Nazma Shaheen stressed the need for healthy eating habits and reduced reliance on processed foods. Bangladesh Food Safety Authority member Dr. Mohammad Shoaib said the government is working to introduce front-of-pack labeling to inform consumers about health risks.

Speakers also noted that only 4.2 percent of the national health budget is allocated to NCD control and called for sustainable financing to strengthen prevention efforts.