Doctors in Cumilla held a human chain and protest rally demanding safety at workplaces following an attack on Dr. Zubair. The demonstration, organized by the Bangladesh Private Medical Practitioners Association (BPMPA) Cumilla branch, took place on Saturday in front of the Cumilla Press Club. Over two hundred doctors from various government and private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers participated, condemning repeated incidents of assault and harassment against medical professionals.

Speakers at the event included BPMPA Cumilla branch president Dr. Nazrul Islam Shahin, general secretary Dr. Russel Ahmed Chowdhury, and several senior medical leaders from local institutions. They called for a fair investigation into the attack on Dr. Zubair, immediate identification and prosecution of those involved, and effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Participants emphasized the urgent need for legal and administrative steps to ensure doctors’ security and a safe professional environment across the district.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra has expressed solidarity with Ad-Din Medical College Hospital after its operations were halted, saying the closure has deprived low-income people of affordable healthcare. The organization called for the hospital’s normal activities to resume promptly, describing Ad-Din as a patient-friendly institution serving limited-income communities. The statement was issued through a letter signed by Gonoshasthaya Kendra Chairperson Shireen Parvin Haque.

In the letter, Gonoshasthaya Kendra noted that Ad-Din Hospital has long provided low-cost medical services to millions of poor and lower-income patients. It described the government’s decision to suspend the hospital’s operations following a recent accident as regrettable and lacking prudence. The organization affirmed its support for Ad-Din during this difficult time and urged all concerned authorities to act wisely and constructively to resolve the situation.

The letter concluded with a call for the lawful and swift reopening of Ad-Din Hospital to ensure continued healthcare for underprivileged people and uphold the institution’s commitment to humanitarian service.

Australia has confirmed its first detection of the H5 strain of bird flu, according to Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. She announced on Saturday that researchers identified the virus in a brown skua, a wild seabird found in a remote area of Western Australia. The country’s national science agency verified the finding through laboratory testing. Collins added that another bird, a giant petrel, showed possible signs of infection.

Before this discovery, Australia had been the only continent where the H5 type of avian influenza had not been detected. The virus is known to cause severe harm to poultry and wild bird populations. Collins described the finding as disappointing but not entirely unexpected, given the global spread of H5 bird flu.

She emphasized that there have been no reports of mass bird deaths or infections in poultry farms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the situation concerning and said his government would take measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

A report published on June 20, 2026, by Amader Desh Online highlights that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of major health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Researchers note that the penis often serves as a barometer of a man’s overall health, yet more than half of men over 40 with ED avoid seeking medical advice due to embarrassment, missing early detection opportunities.

Studies cited in the report show that men with ED face a 59 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 34 percent higher risk of stroke. A Taiwanese study found a 68 percent higher chance of developing dementia within seven years among men with ED. Those with type-2 diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience ED. Experts link these risks to vascular and nerve damage caused by poor blood sugar control and stress-related hormonal changes.

The article also mentions that drugs like Viagra may improve both sexual and heart health, though researchers caution that evidence on broader therapeutic benefits remains preliminary.

The number of HIV-positive patients has increased in Rajshahi, with 139 cases identified so far, of which 92 are homosexual men, accounting for 66.18 percent of total infections. Data from Rajshahi Medical College Hospital show that between 2019 and March 2026, 12,852 people were tested, and 115 were found HIV-positive. Most patients are men aged 25 to 50, and a few are returnees from abroad. The Civil Surgeon’s Office confirmed 34 additional cases, all homosexual, bringing the total to 139.

According to the Rajshahi Divisional Health Directorate, there are about 794 HIV patients across eight districts, with the highest number in Sirajganj. Experts have expressed concern that rising homosexuality and unprotected sexual activity could lead to a wider epidemic. Religious scholars and health professionals have called for moral education, awareness, and stronger government action to prevent further spread.

Patients also face treatment difficulties, as many still travel to Bogura for antiretroviral therapy despite a new center opening in Rajshahi. Health officials stress that personal awareness and safe practices are essential to control the infection rate.

A man named Shafiqul Islam Chan, aged 60, died after being bitten by a venomous snake in Nilakhia Union of Bakshiganj upazila, Jamalpur. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Puran Bashkanda village while he was cutting grass for his cattle. Shafiqul Islam Chan was known to be a rural medical practitioner.

According to family and local sources, the snake bit him around 11 a.m. while he was working in a jute field near his home. He returned home after the bite, and his family took him to Bakshiganj Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Jamalpur General Hospital, where he died later in the afternoon. The acting chairman of Nilakhia Union Parishad, Hamidur Rahman Forsa, confirmed awareness of the incident.

Local authorities have been informed, but no further details about the type of snake or official investigation were reported in the source.

The government of Bangladesh is set to open five specialized 200-bed children's hospitals within the next six months in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Cumilla. According to officials, the hospitals in Barishal and Khulna are expected to begin operations in early August, with all necessary preparations nearly complete. Each hospital will feature intensive care units (ICUs), central air conditioning, and space for future expansion. Procurement of furniture and medical equipment has already been finalized.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has inspected the hospital sites in Khulna, Barishal, and Cumilla, confirming that the Barishal hospital will open on August 1. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has instructed the Public Administration Ministry to ensure recruitment of 1,475 staff members per hospital. The initiative follows the Prime Minister’s directive on May 10 to operationalize unused children’s hospitals across six divisions.

Officials indicated that the Rajshahi hospital will begin with outpatient services within three months, while other facilities will gradually expand services after launch.

The only MRI machine at Dhaka’s Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital has remained out of order since March 27, 2021, leaving patients in severe distress. Despite several repair attempts, the hospital failed to obtain government approval, and the Tk 18 crore machine is now nearly defunct. As a result, low-income patients are forced to seek costly MRI tests at private centers, while wealthier patients manage the expense more easily. The hospital also faces shortages of functioning CT scan, X-ray, dialysis, and ICU equipment, with 20–25 machines currently unusable.

The 1,350-bed public hospital is overcrowded daily, with long queues at ticket counters, outpatient and emergency departments, and diagnostic units. Many patients wait hours for doctors and tests, while some allege that paying intermediaries speeds up services. Inside the hospital, temporary vendors block ambulance access, worsening delays for critical patients. Officials admit that the hospital operates far beyond its capacity, with over 3,500 inpatients and only 20 ICU beds.

Hospital authorities have applied for a new MRI machine, hoping for approval soon, but until then, both patients and medical students continue to suffer from the lack of essential diagnostic services.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit and chairman of the Citizens Development Forum, stated that corruption and looting are depriving people of government healthcare services. He made the remarks on Thursday in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, while addressing a program organized by the Citizens Development Forum marking the completion of free cataract surgeries for 26 patients. The event was attended by several local leaders and councilor candidates.

Selim Uddin said healthcare is a fundamental right and that most countries provide free medical services to their citizens. He noted that although Bangladesh has such provisions, government hospitals suffer from malfunctioning equipment and misappropriation of medicines. He attributed these problems to rampant corruption and mismanagement in the health sector.

He emphasized that restoring good governance and building a corruption-free society are essential to ensuring proper healthcare for citizens, urging collective efforts to achieve that goal.

More than a hundred workers at the Palli Rani Dressman garment factory in Chandra Trimor, Kaliakoir upazila of Gazipur, fell ill after drinking water on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 10 a.m., when workers began to feel unwell shortly after consuming water at the factory. They were immediately taken to Kaliakoir Upazila Health Complex and other nearby medical centers for treatment.

According to a worker admitted to the health complex, she experienced stomach pain and nausea after drinking a glass of water and later lost consciousness. Another worker said the water had tasted bad for several days, but no action had been taken by the factory authorities. Duty doctor Nowrin Ahmed confirmed that over a hundred patients were admitted, with six in critical condition referred to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.

Factory Assistant General Manager Atikul Islam stated that around 30 to 35 workers were hospitalized and suggested that rainwater contamination might have caused the problem. The factory has been temporarily closed to ensure proper treatment for the affected workers.

A seven-year-old girl named Jyoti Karmakar died after being bitten by a venomous snake in the Powel area of Jhilim Union, Sadar Upazila, Chapainawabganj. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, and the child was brought to the Chapainawabganj District Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. The hospital’s physician, Abdul Kader, confirmed the death and said the child was already deceased when brought in.

According to local accounts cited by the doctor, the child was taken to the hospital several hours after being bitten. Residents alleged that instead of seeking immediate medical care, the family first took the child to a local healer for traditional treatment, which may have delayed proper medical attention. The delay reportedly contributed to the fatal outcome.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about reliance on traditional healing practices in rural areas and the need for timely medical intervention in snakebite cases.

Fifteen students of a primary school in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila fell ill after eating food provided under the school feeding program. Ten of them were admitted to the 250-bed district hospital between Wednesday afternoon and 8 p.m., according to District Primary Education Officer Saiful Islam and hospital resident physician Mahbub Hasan.

Saiful Islam said the students of Salim Dolpara Government Primary School were served eggs and bread under the program. Shortly after eating, several students began to feel unwell. Initial treatment was given locally, but ten students were later hospitalized as their condition worsened. The food had been supplied by a local NGO, Gram Unnayan Karmo (GUK). Samples of the food have been collected and sent for laboratory testing.

Dr. Mahbub Hasan said the hospitalized students are now in stable condition. He suggested that low-quality or unhygienic food and excessive heat might have caused the illness. Attempts to contact GUK officials were unsuccessful. The NGO had previously been fined for similar incidents in other schools in the district.

BNP Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam visited journalist and diplomat Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. During the visit, Dr. Rafiqul Islam inquired about Ansari’s health condition, spoke with his family members, and discussed treatment details with the attending physicians. He also requested that necessary medical measures be taken.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, a prominent journalist and diplomat, was admitted to CMH on June 15 after experiencing chest pain. Initial medical examinations confirmed a heart condition, and he is currently under the close supervision of Brigadier General Dr. Syeda Aleya Soltana, a cardiology specialist at CMH. According to the report, his physical condition is now stable.

The visit by the BNP health secretary highlights concern within political and media circles for Ansari’s recovery, as he continues to receive specialized cardiac care at the military hospital.

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, and Professor Jamalunnesa has taken over the role. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning through a notice signed by Tariqul Islam Mukul, Director of Company Affairs at Ad-Din Foundation. The notice stated that the organization is deeply saddened by a recent child death incident at the hospital and has already taken disciplinary action against responsible staff based on preliminary investigations.

The statement further mentioned that Ad-Din Foundation is committed to strengthening oversight and reassessing protocols. Following government guidance, the foundation has begun infrastructure improvements, including measures to enhance ventilation and oxygen flow under the supervision of three independent consultants. Additionally, the bakery located above the corporate office has been permanently closed.

Professor Jamalunnesa recently retired voluntarily after more than 25 years of teaching in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka. Ad-Din Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1980, continues to provide healthcare, education, and welfare services across its network of hospitals and institutions.

Bangladesh’s only super specialized hospital, launched in 2022 in Dhaka’s Shahbagh with promises of world-class treatment at low cost, remains largely nonfunctional due to corruption, mismanagement, and severe staffing shortages. Despite being inaugurated before completion, most specialized services such as kidney and liver transplants, cardiology, and cancer care are inactive. The hospital, built at a cost of about Tk 1,560 crore with South Korean funding, now operates with minimal staff and limited services.

Multiple reports detail irregularities in recruitment, procurement, and training programs. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of misuse of funds, fake recruitment, and sending unnecessary personnel abroad for training. Around 80 percent of medical equipment worth Tk 283 crore has never been used, and some have already deteriorated. Patients complain of high costs comparable to private hospitals despite poor service quality.

Officials say full operation requires new laws and large-scale recruitment. The administration is reviewing previous recruitment processes and exploring ways to engage expatriate Bangladeshi specialists, but no timeline has been set for full activation.