Photo: Collected
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that if people become aware of diabetes and take preventive steps early, the risk and complications of the disease can be reduced considerably.
Tomorrow is ‘World Diabetes Day’. In a message issued today, Saturday, on the occasion of the day, the Prime Minister said, ‘People with diabetes can also lead healthy, normal and productive lives through proper treatment and regular care. At the same time, those who have not yet developed the disease should also try to prevent diabetes through regular health check-ups, a balanced diet and exercise.’
This year the day is being observed with the theme ‘Don’t delay on diabetes, take action now’.
Tarique Rahman said diabetes is now one of the major public health challenges worldwide. In Bangladesh too, the number of people affected is steadily rising, which is a matter of concern.
The Prime Minister noted in the message that uncontrolled diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and various other vital organs. Its complications can even cause death. However, diabetes can be kept under control through timely diagnosis, proper treatment, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and a mindful lifestyle.
The Prime Minister said ensuring healthcare for every person and raising awareness to prevent non-communicable diseases are among the current government’s top priorities. Timely measures and collective efforts are especially urgent to tackle growing public health challenges such as diabetes.
In his words, the government wants to ensure quality healthcare for every person so that everyone can lead a healthy, productive and dignified life. To this end, the combined efforts of the government, healthcare institutions, doctors, health workers and people from all walks of life are essential.
Tarique Rahman described a healthy and productive population as one of the main foundations of the country’s development and prosperity. He said good health not only improves a person’s quality of life but also speeds up the overall progress of the family, society and state.
The Prime Minister said that, as every year, ‘World Diabetes Day’ is being observed this year at the initiative of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh. The day received United Nations recognition through Bangladesh’s initiative and efforts. It has been observed worldwide for the past two decades, which is a matter of pride for us.
The Prime Minister noted that since its founding, the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh has played an important role in diabetes prevention, expanding treatment services, research and raising public awareness. He said the organisation’s tireless efforts to bring diabetes treatment and prevention services to people’s doorsteps deserve praise.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the association would further expand its service activities in the days ahead. He also said the government’s necessary support for diabetes prevention and control would continue.
On the occasion of the day, the Prime Minister extended his warm greetings to all members of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, doctors, health workers, people living with diabetes and all others concerned. He also wished success to all programmes taken up to mark ‘World Diabetes Day 2026’.
By the numbers
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, the number of people with diabetes aged 20 to 79 worldwide is 589 million, or one in every nine people, bdnews24.com reported on 1 December 2025.
The same report said that, by the IDF’s estimate, Bangladesh had 13.9 million people with diabetes aged 20 to 79 in 2024, and the country ranked seventh on the list of the world’s top 10 diabetes hotspots.
At a glance
According to a Risingbd report of 14 November 2023, the IDF declared 14 November ‘World Diabetes Day’ in 1991. At the request of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh government tabled a proposal at the United Nations to observe the day; it was adopted unanimously on 20 December 2006, and the day has been observed worldwide since 2007.
Sources
Original report: BSS — https://www.bssnews.net/bangla/national/359544
Background sources: bdnews24.com, 1 December 2025 — https://bangla.bdnews24.com/world/de284d55f2dc; Risingbd, 14 November 2023 — https://www.risingbd.com/amp/news/528670
