Bangladesh’s Health Reform Commission has submitted a 322-page report to the government led by Professor Yunus following the July Revolution. The report, based on input from 12 commission members and over 400 participants—mostly doctors—marks the largest health reform document in the country’s history. It includes 32 key short- and medium-term recommendations, prioritizing primary healthcare and proposing that more than half of the national health budget be allocated to this sector.

However, the report has been criticized for lacking historical context and failing to address core systemic weaknesses. It omits references to major past initiatives such as the 1982 National Drug Policy and offers no clear roadmap for solving long-standing problems like bureaucratic inefficiency, unregulated private clinics, and weak preventive health measures. Despite mentioning health insurance, e-prescriptions, and AI use, the report provides no concrete implementation strategy.

The analysis concludes that without specific guidance on accountability, decentralization, and disease prevention, the proposed reforms are unlikely to bring meaningful improvement to Bangladesh’s fragile healthcare system.

Livestock and Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar stated that tobacco control is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health but a broader public health issue requiring coordinated action from all ministries and institutions. She made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on the effective implementation of the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, organized by the National Tobacco Control Cell under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Akhtar criticized the misconception that strict tobacco control measures would reduce government revenue, calling it false and misleading. She noted that while tobacco companies’ revenue contributions are often highlighted, the health and social costs of tobacco use are ignored. She questioned the rationale for government shares in tobacco companies and emphasized the need to deactivate such entities to protect public health.

She added that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized a comprehensive and realistic roadmap for tobacco control. Akhtar urged political parties to make clear commitments before elections and called on the Election Commission to act firmly against the distribution of free tobacco products during campaigns.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued ten urgent directives to all public and private hospitals across Bangladesh ahead of the national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The order, signed by Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director (Hospitals and Clinics), requires hospitals to maintain 24-hour control rooms during the election period and to remain on special alert and preparedness from February 10 to 15.

According to the directives, medical teams must be formed at every administrative level—six in each city corporation, four at the divisional level, three at the district level, two at the upazila level, and one at the union level. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure continuous ambulance readiness, deploy additional emergency staff if needed, and keep key facilities such as emergency, laboratory, dialysis, CT scan, and MRI centers open. Heads of institutions must remain present at their workplaces or assign a qualified substitute with full contact details reported to the DGHS.

Private hospitals and clinics have also been directed to keep emergency departments operational with doctors on duty and to provide initial treatment and counseling before referring any patient.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a project to establish a 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital in Nilphamari. The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, endorsed the plan to be implemented from January 2026 to December 2029 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The project, costing Tk 2,459.35 crore, will be financed by Tk 179.27 crore from the Bangladesh government and the rest through Chinese grant assistance.

The initiative follows Professor Yunus’s request to Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China in March of the previous year. The hospital will include a ten-story main building, dormitories, residential quarters, and modern medical equipment. It will provide specialized services in nephrology, cardiology, oncology, and neurology, along with advanced emergency, ICU, CCU, and diagnostic facilities.

According to the Chief Adviser, the hospital represents a strategic investment to decentralize healthcare and reduce pressure on Dhaka and Rangpur hospitals. It is expected to create thousands of jobs and serve patients from neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, strengthening Bangladesh’s role as a regional healthcare hub.

More than fifty workers at Dressman Fashion Wear Limited in Tongi, Gazipur, fell ill on Monday morning after experiencing breathing difficulties, vomiting, and convulsions. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. when a strong odor spread through the factory, causing panic among workers. The affected employees were taken to Shaheed Ahsan Ullah Master General Hospital, where 21 were admitted for treatment.

Factory official Abdur Rahman Ripon said the cause of the illness was still unknown, and the factory was closed for the day. Dr. Nafiya Sharmin from the hospital’s emergency department reported that most patients suffered from respiratory distress, while some experienced panic attacks, vomiting, and convulsions. Industrial Police Inspector Azad Rahman confirmed visiting the site and said the law and order situation remained normal.

Authorities are investigating the source of the odor and the cause of the workers’ sudden illness, while the factory remains closed temporarily.

Tanisha Begum, daughter of martyr Riton who was killed by police gunfire during the July uprising at Jatrabari, has been admitted to the children’s ward of Hatiya Upazila Health Complex in Noakhali with severe diarrhea. After admission, she had to stay for two days in the hospital corridor, and despite four days of treatment, her condition has not improved. The family has run out of money brought from home.

Her mother, Afsana Begum, said they have no funds left for medicine, and buying drugs means sacrificing food. She lamented that everyone is preoccupied with election activities and no one is checking on them. The attending physician, Dr. Biman Chandra Acharjee, confirmed that the child was admitted in a critical condition. Tanisha’s uncle, Jewel, said the family’s financial constraints prevent proper treatment, and no local assistance has been offered.

The family recalled government promises made to the families of July martyrs but said they have received nothing. Since Riton’s death, managing household expenses has become extremely difficult for them.

A nationwide study on drug abuse in Bangladesh has revealed that approximately 8.2 million people, or 4.88 percent of the population, use some form of illegal drug. The findings were presented on January 25, 2026, at a dissemination event held at the Super Specialized Hospital in Dhaka, organized by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) under the supervision of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC). The research, conducted between February and June 2025 using the Network Scale-Up Method, covered 13 districts and 26 upazilas across eight divisions.

The study found that cannabis is the most commonly used drug, with about 6.1 million users, followed by methamphetamine (2.3 million) and alcohol (2 million). Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Chattogram divisions recorded the highest usage rates, while Rajshahi and Khulna had the lowest. Most users are young, with 33 percent starting drug use before age 18. Unemployment, peer influence, and family instability were identified as major risk factors.

Researchers emphasized that drug abuse in Bangladesh is a growing public health and social crisis requiring integrated prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation policies beyond punitive measures.

A new study has revealed that Bangladesh has around 8.2 million drug users, with the majority being young people. The findings were presented on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at an event held at the Super Specialized Hospital in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The research, funded by the Department of Narcotics Control, identified cannabis as the most commonly used drug, followed by yaba, heroin, phensedyl, and codeine-based cough syrups. Alarmingly, 60 percent of users begin drug use before the age of 18, while only a small fraction receive treatment or rehabilitation.

The study, conducted by a team from Bangladesh Medical University, collected data from 5,280 participants across 13 districts and 26 upazilas in eight divisions. It found that drug use is higher in urban areas but spreading rapidly in rural regions, with Dhaka division showing the highest prevalence and Barishal the lowest. Injection-based drug use is also rising, posing serious public health risks.

Experts at the event emphasized that drug abuse is not only a law enforcement issue but also a major public health concern. They called for stronger prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and awareness programs targeting youth.

Public health experts in Bangladesh are assessing the potential impact after the United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO). The move, completed under President Donald Trump, follows earlier US withdrawals from the UN Population Fund and 66 other international bodies. Specialists say WHO has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s health achievements, but even before the US exit was finalized, WHO activities in the country had begun to shrink.

Former health director Be-Nazir Ahmed and public health expert Mushtaq Hossain warned that reduced WHO funding could affect key programs such as immunization, disease control, emergency response, and laboratory support. They urged political parties to ensure alternative financing and increased domestic allocations to prevent disruptions. WHO has long supported Bangladesh in eliminating diseases like polio and kala-azar, and in vaccine distribution, maternal health, and pandemic preparedness.

The WHO chief has acknowledged that the organization faces a funding crisis following the US withdrawal. Analysts fear that if Bangladesh loses WHO support, public health services and disease eradication efforts could face serious setbacks.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that around 270,000 children in Afghanistan are at serious risk of cold-related illnesses due to extreme winter weather and heavy snowfall. In a statement, the agency said children in eastern Afghanistan, already affected by last year’s earthquake, are facing worsening conditions as prolonged exposure to cold and damp weather increases the risk of respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other preventable diseases.

UNICEF noted that children living in temporary shelters are particularly vulnerable to rain, snow, and poor sanitation, which further heighten health risks. The organization also reported that the United Kingdom has provided a donation of 10.8 million dollars to support child nutrition programs in Afghanistan.

According to local authorities, heavy snowfall and rain over the past two days have killed at least 11 people and injured three others across several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, Kandahar, Jawzjan, Faryab, and Bamiyan. The national weather department expects precipitation to continue in most parts of the country in the coming days.

Patients at the 50-bed Sreebardi Upazila Health Complex in Sherpur are being deprived of essential medical care due to an acute shortage of doctors and staff. Despite having modern medical equipment, the hospital cannot provide adequate services. Out of 21 sanctioned doctor positions, only six are filled, with two on deputation, leaving just four doctors to serve patients. Among 163 total posts, 88 remain vacant, forcing the facility to operate with only 71 employees.

The hospital serves around 300,000 residents across 10 unions and one municipality, as well as patients from neighboring Jhenaigati. Each day, 300 to 350 patients visit the emergency and outpatient departments, overwhelming the few available doctors. Key departments such as anesthesia, surgery, gynecology, and medicine have no specialists, leaving many patients—especially women—without treatment. Locals say they are compelled to seek costly private care, burdening low-income families.

Health officials stated that the shortage has been reported to higher authorities, but no action has yet been taken to resolve the crisis.

Healthcare services at Matlab North Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur have collapsed due to an acute shortage of doctors. Despite being a modern facility upgraded from 31 to 50 beds, only four doctors are currently serving nearly 500,000 residents across one municipality and 14 unions. The hospital has lacked key specialists, including gynecology, surgery, pediatrics, and anesthesia consultants, for years. Cesarean operations have remained suspended for 14 of the hospital’s 16 years, forcing expectant mothers to seek costly private care.

The hospital’s infrastructure, including an X-ray machine and laboratory, remains underutilized due to the absence of technicians and adequate staff. Several doctors are on deputation or absent without cause, further worsening the crisis. Local anti-corruption committee president Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said poor residents depend solely on the hospital, yet essential maternal services have been unavailable for most of its existence. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mahbubur Rahman stated that despite the hospital’s upgrade, the lack of manpower and technical staff severely limits service delivery.

The ongoing shortage has forced many patients to travel to Chandpur or Dhaka for treatment, increasing both costs and health risks.

Liberty Hospital in Paribagh, Dhaka, has been operating illegally for one and a half years after its registration and environmental clearance expired. The hospital, which began services in 2024, has reportedly conducted around 1,200 surgeries and treated thousands of patients despite lacking mandatory licenses. Allegations include tax evasion amounting to several crores of taka and unauthorized management by politically affiliated doctors expelled from Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) following the July uprising.

Director Zahidul Islam has filed a case in the High Court and appealed to multiple government agencies, including the Directorate General of Health Services and the National Board of Revenue, seeking action against the irregularities. The hospital’s managing director, Dr. Sheikh Muzammel Haque, acknowledged that renewals were delayed due to complications but claimed efforts were underway to update certifications.

Health authorities have stated that the matter will be investigated, particularly how the hospital continues to operate despite an earlier closure order from the Department of Environment. The situation raises questions about regulatory enforcement and accountability within the private healthcare sector.

Bangladesh inaugurated its first full-fledged specialized dental hospital, the Advanced Dental and Maxillofacial (ADM) Hospital, in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Friday, January 23, 2026. The launch event was held at the China Friendship Conference Center. The hospital will provide 24-hour services, including indoor and outdoor care and ICU facilities, supported by over a hundred doctors. It will offer treatment for oral cancer, tumors, jaw surgeries, orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dental diseases.

At the inauguration, Bangladesh Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam praised the initiative as a blessing for patients and emphasized infection control and accreditation. Pro-VC Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader noted that the hospital would enhance Bangladesh’s global reputation in dentistry. Russian Embassy representative Khlevnoy Alexendra Alexendravona expressed interest in collaboration and training opportunities. Hospital officials pledged to make ADM a global role model and ensure services for all socioeconomic groups.

The hospital’s leadership highlighted its use of advanced technology and commitment to equitable healthcare, marking a milestone in the country’s dental treatment infrastructure.

Dr. Md. Rifat Zia Hossain, an oncologist at Bangladesh Medical University, has emphasized the importance of regular screening and vaccination to prevent cervical cancer among Bangladeshi women. In an article published on January 22, 2026, he described how many women, like Maleka Begum, delay seeking medical help due to shame, fear, and lack of awareness, allowing the disease to progress silently. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in Bangladesh, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which often infects without early symptoms.

The article highlights that in Bangladeshi society, discussions about women’s reproductive health are often taboo, leading to neglect of early warning signs such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Health experts cited in the piece identify regular screening through VIA or Pap smear tests as the most effective defense. Although free VIA testing is available at government facilities, many women remain unaware of it. Vaccination against HPV during adolescence can significantly reduce future risk.

The author concludes that awareness, regular health checkups, and vaccination are essential steps to protect women’s lives and prevent avoidable suffering.