A divisional advocacy meeting on the International Health Regulations held in Khulna today. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - A divisional advocacy meeting on the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005) was held at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner today with a call for stronger multi-sectoral coordination to prevent and respond to public health emergencies.

Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Abdullah Harun said it was unfortunate that Bangladesh remains at the awareness stage of implementing the IHR even 21 years after the agreement was adopted.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of complying with international health regulations and noted that public health issues are often viewed solely as the responsibility of the health ministry.

"Preventing diseases with pandemic potential requires coordinated and effective action by all relevant stakeholders," he said.

The Divisional Commissioner said Bangladesh has the necessary legal and institutional framework, but implementation remains inadequate. 

He stressed the need for stronger coordination among focal point officials of different agencies and regular monitoring to effectively tackle cross-border infectious diseases.

"In this era of globalization, we cannot remain isolated. All focal points must work proactively to build national preparedness against public health threats," he added.

The meeting was told that preventing epidemics and pandemics is the primary objective of the IHR (2005), an international agreement under which 196 member states, including Bangladesh, have pledged to develop and maintain the core capacities needed to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks.

Under the regulations, member states are required to ensure adequate health measures, medical personnel and designated hospitals at seaports, land ports and airports. Any suspected public health event must be reported to the designated focal point within two hours of detection.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of coordinated action by agencies responsible for public health, border management, security and food safety, alongside raising public awareness to strengthen preparedness against health emergencies.

Among others, Director of Khulna Sector of the Border Guard Bangladesh Lieutenant Colonel Anup Kumar Biswas, Additional Range DIG Sheikh Zainuddin, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr. Ashnafun Nahar, Director of the Khulna Family Planning Office Md. Mozammel Haque and Deputy Director of Ansar and VDP ASM Azim Uddin addressed the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Assistant Director of the Khulna Health Department Dr. Aparna Biswas. 

Technical Officer of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Inin Isibor presented the keynote paper.

Officials from various government departments and NGO representatives attended the programme, which was organised by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) with support from the Khulna Divisional Health Office.