Staff Reporter : The prevalence of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a report by the World Health Organization, 283,000 people died from cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh in 2024, with hypertension accounting for 52 percent of these deaths.
Ensuring the regular availability of anti-hypertensive medicines at all Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes through sustainable financing would enable effective control of hypertension and hypertension – induced non-communicable diseases.
These issues were highlighted today (21st January 2026) at a journalists’ workshop titled “Hypertension Control: Progress, Barriers, and the Way Forward”, held at the BMA Bhaban in the capital. The workshop was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). A total of 26 journalists working in print, television, and online media participated in the workshop.
At the workshop, it was informed that, according to World Bank data, only 4.2 percent of Bangladesh’s health budget is allocated to the control of non-communicable diseases. Due to inadequate budget allocation, the regular supply of anti-hypertensive drugs at NCD corners of Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes is being disrupted. As a result, despite existing demand, free anti-hypertensive drugs are not consistently available at the grassroots level.
Dr. Geeta Rani Devi, Medical Officer of the Directorate General of Health Services said, “The government is making efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of anti-hypertensive medicines. We hope that all Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes will soon come under the coverage of this facility.”
Reaz Ahmad, Editor, Dhaka Tribune, said, “Through the publication of evidence-based and in-depth reporting, the media can play a vital role in encouraging the public to prevent and control hypertension.”
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead, GHAI and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, were present at the workshop as discussants. A presentation on hypertension control was delivered at the workshop by PROGGA’s Program Officer, Samiha Bintay Kamal.