Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting titled 'Building a Healthier Bangladesh' held on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Cabinet Division’s special conference room at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to public health and national well-being.

According to the report, the session was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani, and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar. The meeting was reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

No further details about the discussions or decisions made in the meeting were provided in the source.

A legal notice has been sent to the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the Local Government Division, and the secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) demanding immediate action to control mosquito infestation. The notice, dispatched by lawyer H. M. Rashdul Islam (Rashed) on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through postal mail, requires effective measures within seven days. Failure to comply will lead to a writ petition under Article 102 of the Constitution.

The notice cites the lawyer’s own dengue infection in September 2025 and the death of advocate Jannati Rehana (Joya) from dengue in October 2025 as examples of the worsening mosquito-borne disease situation in DNCC areas. It alleges that the unchecked spread of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes has caused widespread dengue, chikungunya, and other vector-borne diseases, posing a direct threat to public health and safety.

The notice further states that the city authority’s inaction constitutes gross negligence of statutory duties and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights, warning of legal action if no steps are taken within the stipulated period.

Meghmallar Basu, former president of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Chhatra Union and organizer of Network for Peoples Action, reportedly attempted suicide on Friday afternoon. He was admitted to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka in critical condition after consuming around 20 sleeping pills. Hospital sources said his condition deteriorated rapidly before he was taken to the hospital, where doctors placed him under intensive observation. The latest reports indicate that his condition has become somewhat stable.

Multiple sources confirmed the incident. Jaber Ahmed Jubel, general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri, said Basu is currently under treatment. However, the reason behind his action remains unclear. Anik Roy, another organizer of Network for Peoples Action and former general secretary of Chhatra Union, stated that Basu had been physically unwell since an operation. He took some sleeping pills on Thursday night and lost consciousness before being hospitalized. Roy added that Basu is now out of danger.

No official explanation has yet been provided by his organization regarding the cause of the incident.

More than fifty people, including children and the elderly, were injured after being bitten by a stray dog in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The attacks occurred between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. across several areas of Shibnagar Union, including Chakkobir, Palpara, Daspara, Rambhadrapur, Purbo Bajitpur, Dadpur Abashon, and Malipara. One elderly woman, 70-year-old Mohiful Begum, was seriously injured and transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Locals later killed the dog responsible for the attacks.

According to hospital sources, 51 people received treatment at the Phulbari Upazila Health Complex, including 34 from Chakkobir village. All victims were given anti-rabies vaccines and primary care. The hospital reported having 300 anti-rabies vaccines in stock and requested 200 more. Residents said the suspension of government dog control drives had increased stray dog incidents, urging authorities to take immediate action.

Medical Officer Nawroz Hasan confirmed adequate vaccine supplies and advised immediate washing of bite wounds with soapy water before seeking medical care. The assistant commissioner described the situation as alarming and said necessary measures would be taken after consulting livestock officials.

At least 40 people were injured after being bitten by stray dogs in Veramara upazila of Kushtia over Sunday and Monday, according to local reports. Among them, 27 received treatment at the Veramara Upazila Health Complex, which currently has no preventive vaccines available. Packs of stray dogs were seen roaming areas including Veramara Government College, Government Women’s College, Girls’ School, and several market zones, creating widespread panic among residents and students.

Local residents, parents, and teachers expressed growing concern over frequent dog attacks, particularly during school hours. Many said they now avoid going out after dark due to safety fears. Locals accused authorities of failing to take visible action despite the long-standing problem. Health officer Dr. Mizanur Rahman confirmed the number of treated patients and the vaccine shortage.

Veramara Upazila Executive Officer and municipal administrator Rafiqul Islam stated that the municipality has been instructed to take immediate measures against stray dogs. Residents urged urgent intervention to control the dog population and prevent potential rabies outbreaks.

A 55-year-old woman named Nasima Khatun died during surgery at Meherpur Clinic in Mallikpara, Meherpur town on the night of February 15, 2026. Her family alleged that she died due to doctors’ negligence before the operation began. Following the incident, an angry crowd attacked two doctors, Mizanur Rahman and his son Mushfiqur Rahman Abhi, and vandalized equipment in the operation theater. Both doctors were seriously injured and later rescued by police and army personnel before being admitted to Meherpur General Hospital.

According to the doctors, Nasima suffered cardiac arrest before anesthesia was administered, and despite efforts, she could not be revived. The president of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Dr. Abdus Salam, stated that the patient died before the operation started and that the assault and vandalism would be investigated. Meherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Mehedi Hasan Dipu said legal action would be taken if a written complaint was filed by the patient’s relatives.

No formal complaint had been lodged with the police at the time of reporting.

After voting, many people notice a purple mark on their finger from indelible ink, which is used to ensure transparency in the election process. Some feel discomfort when the mark remains visible for days after the polls. Dermatologists explain that there is no instant way to remove the ink, but proper care can help fade it gradually without damaging the skin.

The ink is typically silver nitrate-based and reacts chemically with the outer layer of the skin, making it resistant to simple washing. The stain usually fades naturally within five to ten days as the skin renews. Experts warn against using bleach, acetone, or sharp objects, as these can cause irritation, burns, or infection. Instead, they recommend gentle home remedies such as washing with mild soap and warm water, applying lemon juice, regular toothpaste, baby oil, or coconut oil, and using light scrubs once daily.

Following these safe methods can help reduce the stain more comfortably while avoiding skin damage or allergic reactions.

Despite a government ban effective since August 1, 2023, open-drum soybean and palm oil continue to be sold widely across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka’s wholesale and retail markets. Consumers and small businesses prefer open oil because it is cheaper and can be purchased in flexible quantities. However, experts warn that such oil poses serious health risks due to contamination, lack of vitamin A fortification, and use of non-food-grade plastic drums.

Studies cited in the report show that 65 percent of edible oil in the market is sold in drums, with 59 percent lacking vitamin A enrichment and 34 percent containing insufficient levels. The absence of labeling and source information makes it impossible to trace the oil’s origin. Health experts link vitamin A deficiency to blindness in children and increased maternal mortality, urging coordinated government action to ensure safe, fortified oil.

Advocacy group PROGGA and nutrition specialists have called for strict enforcement of the ban and public awareness campaigns, warning that continued sale of open-drum oil threatens both public health and national nutrition security.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the death of a woman from Naogaon district, Bangladesh, due to Nipah virus infection. The confirmation came through an official statement released on Friday. Following the detection of this new case in the Rajshahi division, authorities have increased surveillance in border areas. The patient, aged between 40 and 50, developed fever, headache, and breathing difficulties on January 21. Her condition worsened, leading to hospitalization on January 27. Laboratory tests on January 29 confirmed Nipah virus infection, and she later died while under treatment.

According to WHO, Bangladesh’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point informed the organization of the confirmed infection on February 3. Investigations found that the woman had no recent travel history but had consumed raw date palm sap before falling ill. The virus is primarily carried by fruit bats of the Pteropus species, which can contaminate sap with saliva or droppings during winter.

Since 2001, Bangladesh has recorded 348 Nipah virus cases, about half linked to drinking raw date palm sap, while others resulted from human-to-human transmission.

A new study has revealed that a mysterious viral illness in Bangladesh, initially thought to be a Nipah virus outbreak, was actually caused by a different and potentially deadly bat-borne virus known as Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV). According to a report cited by The Independent, five patients were hospitalized between December 2022 and March 2023 with fever, vomiting, headache, fatigue, excessive salivation, and neurological symptoms. All had consumed raw date palm sap, a known source of bat contamination, but tested negative for Nipah virus.

Researchers confirmed PRV infection after genetic analysis of both patients and bats captured near the Padma River basin. The study, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, found that all five patients suffered severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, unlike the milder PRV cases reported in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. One patient later died in 2024 due to neurological complications.

Scientists urged enhanced surveillance in areas where raw date palm sap is consumed, emphasizing that health risks extend beyond Nipah virus and calling for broader monitoring of bat-borne pathogens.

At a discussion marking World Cancer Day on Wednesday at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in Dhaka, speakers revealed that around 167,000 people in Bangladesh are newly diagnosed with cancer each year, while approximately 116,500 die from the disease. Despite the high number of patients, the country has only about 30 cancer treatment centers, many of which lack full treatment facilities. Participants emphasized the urgent need for widespread awareness on cancer prevention and early detection.

The event, chaired by Dr. Md. Habibullah Talukder Raskin, founder of the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum, highlighted the absence of a national cancer control strategy, action plan, and program in Bangladesh. Speakers called for expanding cancer treatment to divisional and district-level medical colleges and extending cancer screening services to upazila levels. The theme for this year’s observance, set by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for 2025–2027, is “United by Unique.”

Ten journalists were honored for their contributions to cancer awareness, with several pledging continued work under Dr. Raskin’s leadership to promote public understanding and prevention efforts.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, cardiologist and spouse of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, inaugurated a 'Free Heart Camp' at the Ansar Camp field in Karail slum, Mohakhali, on Monday. The event was organized by the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), a pro-BNP physicians’ group, to mark the birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Local residents received free medicines and medical check-ups during the program, where Zubaida Rahman also spoke with several patients. BNP Advisory Council member Abdus Salam was present at the event.

Following the camp, Zubaida Rahman visited the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) office, where she listened to women’s health concerns and provided medical advice. The Karail slum area has around 45,000 voters. Earlier, on January 20, a prayer gathering was held nearby for the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman attended that event and pledged to build multi-storey flats for slum dwellers if BNP comes to power.

The initiatives reflect BNP’s growing focus on the Karail constituency, where Tarique Rahman’s candidacy has reportedly energized local residents.

Bangladesh observed National Food Safety Day 2026 on Monday with the theme “Ensure safe food, build a healthy life.” The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) organized a discussion emphasizing citizens’ right to safe food and the need for awareness across production, processing, and sales. However, questions persist about whether the agency can ensure food safety nationwide. BFSA Chairman Zakaria acknowledged the growing presence of trans fat in food and said the authority is working with multiple institutions to control it through monitoring and awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, Bangladesh is among the 15 countries most at risk of trans fat–related heart disease, responsible for 4.41% of cardiac deaths. Experts warned that trans fat, excessive sugar, salt, and “testing salt” used in fast food pose serious health threats, including heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. A national survey found excessive testing salt in chips, noodles, popcorn, and fries. The government has decided to require labeling of sugar, salt, and trans fat on packaged foods, though many businesses still fail to comply.

Health officials and researchers urged stronger legal enforcement and public awareness to prevent toxic food consumption and reduce noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh.

Severe cracks have appeared in the pillars and beams of the Debidwar Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla, creating a dangerous situation for patients and staff. Plaster from the walls and ceiling has been falling off in several wards, including the children’s ward, raising fears of a major accident at any time.

On-site observations revealed a large crack in a key pillar on the southern side of the building. Nurse Nasrin Akter, responsible for the children’s ward, said parts of the ceiling had fallen multiple times, causing panic among staff, patients, and their families. Visitors expressed anger that no effective action had been taken despite the visible danger, urging immediate structural inspection and repair.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mohibul Hasan stated that the issue had been reported to higher authorities, who are conducting technical assessments and preparing for necessary repairs.

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.