Staff Reporter : The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, is rising at an alarming rate in Bangladesh due to unhealthy dietary habits and increasing dependence on processed foods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foods high in salt, sugar, and fat increase the risk of hypertension and other NCDs. To build consumer awareness on this issue, Front-of-Pack labeling (FOPL) can play an important role. Speakers highlighted these information and recommendations at a webinar titled “Safe Food to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases and Our Role,” organized by the research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), on 1st February 2026, marking National Food Safety Day. The day will be observed under the theme, “Nirapod Khaddo Nishchit Kori, Sustho Sobol Jibon Gori” this year.
At the webinar, it was informed that, according to WHO data, approximately 570,263 people die each year in Bangladesh from non-communicable diseases. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, around 27,387 deaths annually are linked to unhealthy dietary practices such as excessive sodium intake, trans-fat consumption, and sugar-sweetened beverages. However, the budgetary allocation for controlling non-communicable diseases is extremely inadequate, accounting for only 4.2 percent of the total health budget.
Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology & Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, said, “Promoting healthy dietary habits and reducing dependence on processed foods are crucial to lowering the risk of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases among the population.”
Professor Dr. Nazma Shaheen, former Director of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, stated, “Introducing Front-of-Pack labeling is necessary to inform the public about unhealthy food components such as excessive salt, sugar, and trans-fat. This measure can effectively help reduce the burden of hypertension and other NCDs in the country.”
Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoeb, Member, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said, “The government is working to introduce an easy-to-understand Front-of-Pack labeling system to make consumers especially aware of the health risks of processed foods. We hope to implement it soon.”
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead, GHAI, stated, “In addition to raising public awareness, it is imperative to ensure sustainable financing to effectively address non-communicable diseases such as hypertension.”
Md. Monir Hossain Liton, Head of Online (Bangla), Daily Times of Bangladesh was also present as discussant. The webinar was chaired by ABM Zubair, Executive Director, PROGGA and moderated by Samiha Bintay Kamal, Program Officer, PROGGA. Journalists from print, television, and online media, civil society representatives, experts, and relevant multilevel stakeholders from different regions across the country joined the webinar.