With the theme “Every Heartbeat Matters”, the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh joined the global community today, Monday, in celebrating World Heart Day 2025 across the country. Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s number one killer, yet 80% of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable — a message the day’s events aimed to highlight through a series of nationwide activities.
The day began with a colorful rally that started in front of the Mirpur National Cricket Stadium and concluded at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, with hundreds of participants joining the march.
A public awareness seminar was later held at the foundation’s auditorium, presided over by Professor Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman, Honorable Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended the event as the chief guest.
In his remarks, the chief guest said, “The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh. Lifestyle changes have contributed to health risks, and collective efforts at individual, social, and state levels are essential to prevent heart disease.”
Delivering the welcome speech, Professor Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, Secretary General of the Foundation, said, “The National Heart Foundation has been working alongside the government year-round to prevent NCDs through research, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.”
Presenting the keynote paper, Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, stated, “One in every five deaths in Bangladesh is caused by cardiovascular disease. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, tobacco is one of the four leading causes of death and disability. To reduce heart disease risk, tobacco use must be eliminated, and the existing tobacco control law should be amended without delay.”
Other speakers included Mr. Naushad Hossain, Joint Secretary General, Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Professor Md. Yunusur Rahman, and Professor Tawfiq Shahriar Haque.
A scientific seminar was also organized on the occasion, attended by around 150 physicians from across the country. Additionally, the foundation conducted free heart check-up camps, and distributed awareness posters and leaflets nationwide. Beyond the capital, 45 affiliated bodies of the foundation also celebrated World Heart Day in various districts.
The message of the day was clear: “Don’t miss a single beat. Every heartbeat is life. Act now — save lives.”