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.

In Chattogram’s Hathazari upazila, the Mekhal Union Health and Family Welfare Center has remained abandoned for nearly eight years, forcing healthcare operations to continue in a rented building funded by local residents. The original facility, built in 1983, was declared abandoned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2014 after becoming structurally unsafe. Since January 6, 2026, services have been completely halted following the leave of the center’s only medical officer, Dr. Ali Chowdhury.

According to local sources, the building became severely damaged over the years, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, and broken infrastructure. Despite repeated appeals, no new construction order has been issued. Residents report significant hardship in accessing healthcare, as the temporary rented facility offers limited services. Local community members have urged authorities to rebuild the center urgently.

The Hathazari Upazila Family Planning Officer stated that several centers, including Mekhal Union’s, were expected to be rebuilt in 2024, but no official directive has yet been received.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and jailed leader Imran Khan underwent eye surgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors confirmed the procedure was completed without any complications. PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar stated that the operation on Khan’s right eye lasted about 20 minutes, during which he remained stable. After receiving necessary post-operative instructions and documentation, Khan was discharged from the hospital.

According to Dr. Sikandar, medical examinations revealed that pressure on blood vessels had caused reduced vision in Khan’s right eye. All required tests were conducted, and the surgery was performed with Khan’s prior consent. Earlier, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Khan had been temporarily moved to PIMS for examination by eye specialists.

Separately, the PTI had sought the Supreme Court’s assistance to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan and his personal physicians on Thursday, indicating ongoing coordination regarding his medical care.

Forty-nine people, including children, women, and elderly residents, were injured on Wednesday afternoon when a rabid dog attacked pedestrians in various areas of Kulaura municipality in Moulvibazar. The victims received treatment at the Kulaura Upazila Health Complex. Among the injured were 40 men, 7 women, and 2 children. Locals later killed the dog after it bit multiple people in neighborhoods such as Joypasha, Magura, Bishrakandi, and Uttar Bazar.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Zakir Hossain said that 16 of the injured received free government-provided vaccines, but the hospital ran out of stock later that morning. Due to the shortage, other victims had to purchase vaccines privately. The Kulaura municipality had earlier supplied 300 doses to the hospital, but no government vaccines remain. The shortage has been reported to higher authorities.

Municipal administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mohiuddin stated that more vaccines will be purchased soon. He added that under current law, the municipality cannot conduct dog culling operations despite the rising number of stray dog attacks.

Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Majed, founder chairman of the National Patient Welfare Society, describes cancer as one of the world’s most pressing public health problems, affecting both developed and developing nations. The article, published on January 28, 2026, highlights that around 20 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer globally each year, with 9 to 10 million deaths. In Bangladesh, approximately 160,000 to 170,000 new cases and 115,000 deaths occur annually, with an estimated 1.8 to 2 million people currently living with the disease.

The report identifies delayed diagnosis, limited hospital capacity, and low awareness as key challenges. Major risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, infections such as HPV and hepatitis, environmental pollution, and stress. Late detection often leads to higher mortality and severe social and economic consequences for families.

The author stresses the importance of regular health checkups and cancer screening, especially for people over 40, to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. Misconceptions and stigma surrounding cancer in Bangladesh remain significant barriers to timely care.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Saif Ullah explains that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not limited to weakened heart muscles or blocked arteries. According to a 2025 review published in JACC: Advances, HFpEF often stems from coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), a condition affecting the heart’s smallest blood vessels. Even when large coronary arteries appear normal, about three out of four HFpEF patients show signs of CMD, which silently worsens heart function.

The article notes that CMD prevents tiny vessels from supplying adequate blood, creating a vicious cycle where HFpEF and CMD aggravate each other. Women face higher risk due to smaller coronary vessels and reduced estrogen after menopause, which increases inflammation and stiffness in heart tissue. Despite available technology, CMD testing is rarely performed because no mandatory diagnostic guideline exists for HFpEF patients.

Current treatments such as SGLT2 inhibitors, statins, blood pressure control, lifestyle changes, and weight reduction offer partial relief. However, there is still no therapy directly targeting CMD, underscoring the need for a new clinical approach to this silent microvascular disease.