At the National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital in Dhaka, cancer patients are waiting up to one and a half years for radiotherapy due to severe equipment shortages and overwhelming patient demand. Many, like Aleya Begum from Tangail and Mokbul Khan from Cumilla, have been given treatment dates months away, raising fears that delays could worsen their conditions. The hospital charges around 12,000 to 15,000 taka for a radiotherapy course, while private hospitals cost nearly 200,000 taka, making private care unaffordable for most.

Out of eight radiotherapy machines, only two are currently operational, one of which frequently breaks down. More than half of the hospital’s diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI, and mammography machines, is out of order. Patients also face shortages of basic medical supplies and long waits for chemotherapy and diagnostic tests. Many are forced to sleep in corridors and courtyards due to a lack of beds.

Hospital authorities acknowledge the crisis, citing outdated machines and excessive patient load. They plan to introduce three-shift radiotherapy services and are coordinating with the health ministry to address equipment and staffing shortages.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of eight products from four companies after laboratory tests found they failed to meet Bangladesh Standards (BDS). The products contained excessive preservatives, harmful microorganisms, or lower-than-required ingredient levels. BSTI warned that legal action would be taken if the directive is ignored. The order was announced in a press release issued on Monday.

According to the release, the affected products include Fresh Garden Agro Resources’ mango pickle, Kazi Food Industries’ Bellissimo Rotondo Hazelnut Coated Chocolate Ice Cream, four skincare and haircare items from Olive Bangladesh’s Labannya brand, and Deco Foods’ Deco Fruit Funda soft drink powders. BSTI has already sent rejection letters to the companies and suspended production, sales, and distribution until further approval.

BSTI emphasized that consumer safety and public interest are its top priorities. The agency will closely monitor compliance and take strict legal measures if the withdrawal order is violated. BSTI’s director general urged consumers to verify product labels, including BSTI marks and expiry dates, before purchase.

Bangladesh reported three new dengue-related deaths and 372 hospitalizations in the past 24 hours, according to a press release from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday. The latest figures bring the total number of dengue cases in July to 4,753 and deaths to 19. The DGHS data covered the period from Sunday 8 a.m. to Monday 8 a.m.

The report detailed that 67 patients were admitted in Barishal division, 54 in Chattogram, 103 in Dhaka division outside city corporations, 22 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 52 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 43 in Khulna, 21 in Mymensingh, 4 in Rajshahi, and 6 in Rangpur. During the same period, 346 patients were discharged from hospitals. Since January, dengue has caused 37 deaths and 10,857 infections nationwide. The highest number of deaths, 19, occurred in Dhaka division, while Barishal recorded the most infections with 2,605 cases.

The DGHS also noted that 60.9 percent of the infected are male and 39.1 percent female, reflecting the ongoing spread of the disease across multiple regions.

At a scientific seminar held on Monday at the National Press Club, health experts and lawmakers stated that dengue fever has evolved from a seasonal issue into a major public health challenge in Bangladesh. Organized by the National Doctors Forum (NDF), the event was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and featured medical professionals, public health experts, and members of parliament.

Chief guest Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid, MP for Jessore-2, emphasized that combating dengue requires coordinated action from government agencies, local authorities, media, and citizens. He urged families to maintain cleanliness and destroy mosquito breeding sites. MP Marzia Begum highlighted that dengue is preventable and called for scientific awareness to counter misinformation. Keynote speaker Dr. Md. Jahangir-ul Alam (Sohel) presented detailed findings on dengue symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, stressing early medical consultation and adequate hydration.

Participants agreed on the need for community-level awareness, environmental cleanliness, and strengthened preventive measures to reduce dengue transmission nationwide.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Rajbari-1 MP Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam expressed dissatisfaction over procurement and management issues at Rajbari Sadar Hospital. Speaking at the hospital’s management committee meeting on Monday afternoon, he warned officials that inefficiency would not be tolerated and urged them to maintain a proper environment free from brokers. The minister criticized the hospital superintendent for negligence in receiving furniture worth Tk 6 crore from a supplier.

During the meeting, Khayyam emphasized that the government is committed to fulfilling public expectations through effective work. The session was chaired by hospital superintendent Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Abdul Hannan and attended by the district’s police superintendent, civil surgeon, additional deputy commissioner, and municipal administrator. Participants discussed operational shortcomings, including the shortage of doctors.

The hospital currently has 26 doctors against 67 sanctioned posts. Upon being informed, the state minister assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the staffing gap.

Bangladesh has recorded 33 deaths and 10,012 dengue infections since January 2026, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). In the latest 24-hour reporting period ending Saturday morning, one person died and 242 new patients were hospitalized. The previous day saw two deaths and 306 new cases. In the first 18 days of July alone, 3,908 people have been infected and 14 have died.

The DGHS Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room reported that between Friday and Saturday morning, new hospital admissions included 10 in Barishal division, 38 in Chattogram, 21 in Dhaka division, 77 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 35 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 40 in Khulna, and 21 in Mymensingh. During the same period, 94 patients were discharged from hospitals.

The DGHS data show that dengue deaths occurred in January (2), February (2), May (1), June (13), and July (15). Dhaka division recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, while Barishal division reported the most infections with 2,463 cases. Overall, 61 percent of patients are male and 39 percent female.

After floodwaters receded in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram, snakes of various species have taken shelter in homes, courtyards, kitchens, cowsheds, and damp areas. Local residents reported that at least 35 people had been bitten by snakes as of Saturday. However, according to the Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex, 22 patients had been admitted for snake bites by 11 a.m. on Friday, all of whom recovered and returned home after treatment.

Local sources said the recent flood inundated about 40,000 households in the upazila, causing more than 13,000 mud houses to collapse and damaging thousands of tin and thatched houses. Many residents were bitten by venomous and nonvenomous snakes while cleaning their damaged homes.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Najma Akter stated that the health complex has sufficient antivenom in stock. None of the admitted patients required antivenom so far. She urged residents to seek immediate medical care at government hospitals instead of relying on traditional healing, noting that timely treatment usually ensures recovery.

Health services at the Laksam Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla are being provided from a severely damaged and risky building. Cracks have appeared on the walls, plaster is falling from the ceiling, and parts of the structure are reportedly at risk of collapse. Despite these hazards, doctors and staff continue to serve patients, with about 1,000 to 1,200 people visiting the outpatient department daily. The hospital’s residential quarters have long been abandoned and turned into drug dens and sites of criminal activity.

The complex, built in 1965, has not received necessary renovations or new staff housing even after being upgraded from 20 to 50 beds, and work to expand it to 100 beds remains incomplete after the contractor left. Health officials have informed higher authorities about the situation, but no action has been taken. A portion of the hospital’s land has also been illegally occupied by influential groups, with allegations of bribery involving a hospital employee.

Patients and staff report living in constant fear of structural collapse, while essential facilities such as toilets and delivery rooms remain in disrepair, worsening the hospital’s service conditions.

A new study has found that maintaining good health depends not only on what people eat but also on how and when they eat. The research shows that eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and following regular meal times significantly influence digestion, metabolism, and weight management. Researchers observed that slow eating helps the body process food more effectively, leading to a quicker sense of fullness and reducing the tendency to overeat.

The study challenges the long-held belief that weight control is solely about balancing calorie intake and expenditure. While calories remain important, the researchers emphasize that the body’s processing of food plays an equally vital role. Regular and timely eating habits were found to help the body use nutrients more efficiently, maintain energy balance, and improve overall health.

Experts conclude that achieving long-term wellness requires more than just choosing nutritious foods. Combining healthy eating habits with regular meal timing, mindful chewing, physical activity, and balanced living is essential for sustaining good health.

A special mobile court of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) conducted an anti-dengue operation in the Maniknagar area on Wednesday, led by Regional Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Abu Aslam. The drive targeted the destruction of Aedes mosquito larvae and breeding sites as part of the city’s dengue prevention efforts.

Despite repeated warnings from DSCC, Aedes larvae were found in five residential and structural premises during the operation. Under the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009, fines totaling 31,000 taka were imposed in five separate cases. The identified locations were also marked with red signs to indicate the presence of larvae.

DSCC authorities stated that the number of such special mosquito control drives and mobile courts will be increased during the ongoing monsoon season to help contain the spread of dengue in the capital.

Public health experts in Bangladesh have called for the rapid introduction of front-of-package labeling (FOPL) to reduce health risks linked to rising consumption of ultra-processed foods. The call came on July 15 at the closing session of a two-day workshop titled “Front-of-Package Labeling in Bangladesh: Necessity, Progress and Way Forward,” held at the Bangladesh Medical Association building in Dhaka. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and attended by 25 journalists from print, television, and online media.

Speakers emphasized that clear health warnings on the front of food packages would help consumers easily identify products high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat, enabling healthier choices and helping prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They noted that NCDs account for about 71 percent of deaths in Bangladesh, with 19 percent being premature. Officials from the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority said the draft regulation for mandatory FOPL would be finalized soon.

Participants highlighted that effective labeling could raise consumer awareness, encourage policy action, and contribute to long-term reductions in diet-related health risks.

A new study by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has found that one in thirteen Bangladeshi women experience menopause before the age of forty-five, a rate higher than the average in low- and middle-income countries. The findings, based on data from 716,648 women aged 30 to 49 across 44 countries, were published in BMJ Global Health. The study identified that 7.5 percent of Bangladeshi women face early menopause, compared to 7.1 percent across similar economies.

Researchers observed that rural women in Bangladesh are 17 percent more likely to experience early menopause than urban women, even after accounting for education, income, and reproductive history. Education emerged as a key protective factor, with higher education levels linked to significantly lower risk. Women marrying or giving birth after age 18 also showed reduced risk.

The study highlights early menopause as a major health indicator, increasing risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and memory loss. Researchers urged regular screening of menopausal age in women’s health services and called for stronger investment in girls’ education, prevention of child marriage, and equitable access to reproductive healthcare.

A mobile court in Lakshmipur fined four private hospitals and diagnostic centers a total of 35,000 taka for various irregularities. The joint operation, conducted by the district administration and the health department on Tuesday afternoon, was led by Executive Magistrate Md. Habibur Rahman. Officials from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, including Dr. Mohammad Nahid Raihan, were also present during the inspection.

According to the mobile court, the operation was based on information from the National Security Intelligence (NSI). The inspection found violations related to licenses, hygiene, and regulatory compliance. City Hospital was fined 5,000 taka for unsanitary conditions in its operation theater and keeping extra beds beyond approval. Popular Diagnostic and Diabetes Center was fined 20,000 taka for operating without a license. RS Dental X-ray Center and Dr. Auwal Child Surgery Center and General Hospital were each fined 5,000 taka for lacking proper licenses and renewals. Meanwhile, Royal Medical Services closed its facility and fled upon learning of the court’s presence.

The magistrate stated that such operations will continue in the future to ensure public health safety and compliance among private healthcare institutions.

Local residents vandalized parts of Netrokona District Hospital on Sunday night following the death of a patient allegedly due to medical negligence. The deceased, Sajib Mia, 23, an easy-bike driver from Amgachtala area, was brought to the hospital with gas pain and vomiting. His condition reportedly worsened, and relatives claimed the on-duty doctor delayed treatment citing a power outage, leading to his death. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. at the 250-bed district hospital.

The attack damaged several windows and a door in the emergency and diarrhea wards before police and locals brought the situation under control. Hospital authorities denied negligence, stating that the power outage hindered operations and that they had repeatedly tried to contact the power department. The hospital superintendent said an investigation is underway, and action will be taken if negligence is proven. Police confirmed the situation is now calm and that no written complaint has yet been filed.

Authorities are investigating both the cause of death and the vandalism, with the hospital returning to normal operations.

Two more people have died from dengue in Bangladesh in the past 24 hours, while 327 new patients were admitted to hospitals across the country. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the data in a press release issued on Monday. The previous day saw one death and 350 new cases. In the first 13 days of July, a total of 2,546 people have been infected and nine have died. Last month, 2,907 cases and 13 deaths were recorded.

According to the DGHS, from Sunday morning to Monday morning, new hospitalizations included 61 in Barishal, 48 in Chattogram, 61 in Dhaka division outside city corporations, 38 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 43 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 45 in Khulna, 17 in Mymensingh, nine in Rajshahi, four in Rangpur, and one in Sylhet. During the same period, 230 patients were discharged.

The DGHS further reported that as of July 12, 2026, a total of 8,650 dengue patients had been hospitalized this year, with 27 deaths recorded so far. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 deaths.