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.

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.