World Heart Day 2025 observed in BD
Staff Reporter :
With the slogan “Every Heartbeat Matters”, the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh observed World Heart Day 2025 on Monday, reminding that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide-despite the fact that 80% of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.
The day began with a colourful rally that started from Mirpur National Cricket Stadium and concluded at the National Heart Foundation Hospital, drawing hundreds of participants.
Later, a seminar was held at the foundation’s auditorium, chaired by Prof Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi. Prof Dr Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Health Ministry, attended as chief guest. In his speech, Dr Rahman cautioned that unhealthy lifestyle patterns are fueling the rise of non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh and urged joint initiatives to combat heart ailments.
Prof Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, Secretary General of the Foundation, outlined the foundation’s ongoing research and awareness activities, while Prof Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury noted that cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in five deaths in Bangladesh.
He strongly advocated for tighter tobacco control measures. Other speakers included Naushad Hossain, Brig Gen (Retd) Prof Md Yunusur Rahman, and Prof Tawfiq Shahriar Haque.
The foundation also organised a scientific seminar for 150 physicians, free cardiac check-ups, and awareness programmes across the country through its 45 affiliated organisations.
On the same day, Evercare Hospital Dhaka-the country’s first JCI-accredited hospital-arranged a special patient forum focusing on early detection, lifestyle adjustments, and equal access to quality cardiac care.
A panel of eminent cardiac specialists interacted with patients and their families, addressing questions on prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
Dr Ratnadeep Chaskar, CEO and Managing Director, along with Dr Arif Mahmud, Group Medical Director, were present at the event.
Matribhumi Heart Care organised discussion: A discussion meeting and magazine launch organized by the Matribhumi Heart Care Ltd at Dhaka Reporters Unity, speakers at a discussion meeting on the occasion of World Heart Day.
The program was presided over by Bir Muktijoddha (Freedom Fighter) ABM Hanif Master, Chairman of Matribhumi Heart Care Ltd.
The Chief Guest was Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University and former Additional Secretary. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. M. M. Rahman, CEO of Matrivumi Heart Care Ltd.
As specialist doctors, speeches were given by Bir Muktijoddha Dr. Ashraf Ali, Managing Director of Doctors Clinic; Dr. Md. Mofizul Islam, Senior Consultant and Heart Specialist at Ibn Sina Hospital; Dr. Abdul Hannan, former Director of the Health Protection Division, Ministry of Health; Dr. Amir Hossain, former CEO of Islami Bank Hospital; and Dr. Sakira Nova, specialist in Hormones and Metabolism.
The event was inaugurated by Engineer Md. Mainuddin Mia, Managing Director of Matrivumi Group. Invited guests included Md. Nuruzzaman Mia, Managing Director of Zenith Life Insurance, and Professor Dr. Shahrukh Adnan, a distinguished educationist.
On behalf of Matrivumi Heart Care, several recommendations were presented to the government to reduce the risk of heart attacks. These are:
Make it mandatory for all mass media outlets to regularly broadcast awareness programs on ways to reduce heart attack risks.
Establish health corners in all government and private offices to encourage balanced diet, regular exercise, and discourage smoking.
Ensure improved treatment facilities at Upazila and Union Health Centers, and launch ambulance services under the supervision of Union Health Centers to provide emergency healthcare.