Desk Report:
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has promised maximum support to thalassemia patients.
He spoke as a special guest at the Bangladesh Thalassemia Association (BTS) Blood Donors’ Honors-2026 program at Ramna Engineers Institution Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital on Friday (July 31, 2026) afternoon and made this promise. The program was organized to recognize and express gratitude to the contributions of voluntary blood donors. Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President and eminent physician Dr. Zubaida Rahman was present as the chief guest.
Addressing the leaders of the Thalassemia Association, Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said, “You will submit an application to me for financial support, I will provide maximum support as much as possible. I want to stand by you.”
Highlighting the contribution of blood donors, he said that a young boy donated blood 41 times for thalassemia patients and another donated blood 38 times. He welcomed this great initiative to save the lives of patients by donating blood repeatedly.
Sakhawat Hossain said that blood testing before marriage is not a bad thing. If both of a couple are thalassemia carriers, then the unborn child is or may be a thalassemia patient. If we become aware and take pre-marital screening and precautionary measures, it will be possible to save the entire nation from this deadly disease.
Reminiscing about the visionary health thinking of martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the Health Minister said that when martyr Ziaur Rahman used to travel to villages and towns across the country, he would take doctors with him. At the same time, he used to talk about changing dietary habits to make people aware. So that changes can come among people and a healthy nation can be formed.
He said, “We are destroying our bodies and health by eating pizza, burgers, chicken fries and farm chicken. These foods cause various complex diseases including cancer and kidney. Therefore, everyone should pay attention to consuming proper and nutritious food.
Stating that disease prevention is a priority, the Health Minister said that serious diseases including cancer, kidney and liver cancer are increasing alarmingly in rural areas. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is emphasizing the most on preventive measures. Because prevention is better than traditional treatment.
Blood donors and various organizations related to blood donation activities were honored at the event.
Among others, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donor, DAB President Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid and BTS President Engineer MA Matin were present at the event.
