Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

DHAKA, May 7, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for creating awareness among the people on Thalassaemia.

“I urge all professionals, social and voluntary organisations, media, guardians and conscious civil society to create awareness among the people on this issue, alongside the government,” he said in a message issued today on the occasion of the World Thalassaemia Day to be observed tomorrow.

The premier said Thalassemia is a complex inherited blood disease, which is a matter of concern for the individual, family and overall public health. 

In particular, he said, if both parents are Thalassemia gene carriers, the risk of their children being affected by this disease increases manifold.

So, he said, it is important to increase public awareness, go for timely testing and take preventive measures.

The theme of this year's Thalassemia Day is ‘Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen’.

On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, Bangladesh Thalassemia Association has taken various programmes like every year, Tarique Rahman said. 

He said this day is an important occasion to increase public awareness and prevention and awaken a sense of social responsibility towards the affected people.

In Bangladesh, he said, it is believed that about two crore people are carriers of the Thalassemia gene. 

“The issue is very worrying and it is essential to take effective steps now to ensure the good health of the future generations,” he said. 

The premier said the government has taken the policy of 'prevention is better than cure' to protect public health, while this policy is most effective in preventing Thalassemia.

He said the incumbent democratic government is working tirelessly to build a people-centric and modern health system. 

The government is going to implement the plan to launch 'e-health card' for citizens with information about the health of the patient, he added. 

Tarique Rahman said once the 'e-health card' is launched, citizens will be able to know the latest information about their health through this card. 

At the same time, he said, no matter where a patient receives treatment, in a village or a city, the doctor will be able to quickly know the necessary health information of the patient through the 'e-health card'.

He said experts note that unless two Thalassemia patients are in a marital relationship, Thalassemia disease does not spread. 

So, the prime minister said, to prevent incurable blood diseases like Thalassemia, family, society and the state must act together to create awareness about the risks of marriage among Thalassemia gene carriers.

He wished the overall success of all the programmes undertaken on the occasion of the World Thalassemia Day.