Speakers at a seminar marking World Heart Day 2026 on Wednesday stressed stronger preventive measures, tobacco control and primary healthcare to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Bangladesh.

The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh organised the seminar at its hospital and research institute auditorium under the theme “Every Heartbeat Matters”.

National Heart Foundation President Professor Dr Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi chaired the event, while Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain attended as chief guest.

Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute Sharif Uddin Ahmed Choudhury and Director General of the Directorate General of Health Education Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain attended as special guests.

In her welcome address, National Heart Foundation Secretary General Professor Fazila-Tun-Nessa Malik said more than 20.5 million people die from CVDs worldwide every year.

Citing the World Heart Federation, she said CVD remains the world’s leading cause of death, while the World Health Organization estimates that up to 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the foundation’s hospital and research institute, said CVD prevention requires effective public health policies and stronger primary healthcare alongside individual awareness.

He recommended stronger tobacco-control measures, expedited formulation of rules under the Tobacco Control Act 2026, adequate funding for hypertension and diabetes management at primary healthcare facilities, and reduced salt intake in line with WHO recommendations.

Professor Nazmul Hosain stressed early identification and control of hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use.

Sharif Uddin Ahmed Choudhury called for coordinated action across sectors, including tobacco-free workplaces and measures to regulate e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the government would continue efforts to make CVD prevention and treatment more accessible, stressing public awareness, tobacco control, healthy lifestyles and early detection.

Professor Rizvi said CVD prevention required coordinated, long-term efforts to address major risk factors alongside treatment services.

He called for joint efforts by the government, physicians, researchers, media, civil society and the public to ensure early identification and appropriate treatment of cardiovascular risk factors at primary healthcare level.

Officials, physicians, healthcare professionals, media workers and representatives of relevant organisations attended the seminar.

The foundation also organised free cardiovascular screening camps and distributed awareness materials, while its 45 affiliated bodies outside Dhaka observed the day with various awareness and preventive activities.

Earlier on Tuesday, the foundation organised a rally from the National Cricket Stadium area in Mirpur to its hospital and research institute, with several hundred people taking part.

The 2026 World Heart Day campaign carries the message “Don’t Miss a Beat”, highlighting the importance of recognising CVD symptoms and seeking timely care.