Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) on Saturday highlighted the growing burden of hypertension in Bangladesh, with experts saying about 33% of people aged 30–79 are living with the condition and nearly 44% remain undiagnosed.
The seminar titled “Hypertension in Bangladesh,” organized by the Department of Public Health and Informatics under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together,” marked World Hypertension Day 2026. BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr FM Siddiqui attended as chief guest, while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad presided over the session.
Department of Public Health and Informatics Professor Dr Zakir Hossain said nearly 33% of people aged 30–79 in Bangladesh are affected by hypertension, with 44% of cases remaining undiagnosed. He stressed the need for stronger preventive interventions, noting that only a limited share of the national health budget is allocated to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
BMU VC said around 21% to 23% of the population in Bangladesh has hypertension, while only 14% have their blood pressure under control. He emphasized the need to improve the country’s drug policy alongside wider use of long-acting medications.
He added that hypertension affects vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels and eyes, and said medicines that ensure sustained control while also protecting target organs should be prioritized.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad said hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by gradually damaging blood vessels, leading to multiple complications. Citing research findings, he added that uncontrolled hypertension may lead to erectile dysfunction in men, which can serve as an early warning sign of future cardiovascular disease.
Additional Secretary, Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Sheikh Momina Moni said around 25 million people aged 30–79 in Bangladesh are currently living with hypertension. She added that the condition is increasingly affecting younger populations, with cases of pre-hypertension also being detected among adolescents.
She said unhealthy dietary habits, excessive salt intake, physical inactivity, mental stress and tobacco use are driving the rise in hypertension among young people. The seminar aimed to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis and promote lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death.
BMU Treasurer Prof Dr Nahreen Akhtar, Joint Secretary, Health Services Division Mamunur Rashid, Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury of the National Heart Foundation and Research Institute, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell Md Akhtaruzzaman, Managing Director of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) Mohammad A Samad Mridha and Director General of the Health Economics Unit Dr Md Enamul Haque also spoke at the seminar.
