Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam addressed a public seminar as the chief guest marking the World Hypertension Day 2026 at the National Heart Foundation in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam today said the National Heart Foundation (NHF) is a unique institution and it has successfully reached the doorsteps of common people with awareness messages on heart diseases.

He made the remarks while addressing a public seminar as the chief guest marking the World Hypertension Day 2026 at the National Heart Foundation in the capital.

The seminar was organised with the theme, “Together Control Blood Pressure, Defeat the Silent Killer”.

The chief whip said heart disease is currently one of the leading causes of death in the world, adding that a person may suffer a sudden heart attack even while walking normally, said a press release of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

“Heart is one of the most important organs of the human body and it works continuously from birth to death. So, everyone must remain conscious about keeping the heart healthy,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyle, he said people should reduce intake of oil and salt and engage in regular physical exercise to prevent heart-related diseases.

He also expressed concern over the excessive use of pesticides, chemical fertilisers and hybrid food products, saying these pose serious threats to public health.

Referring to children’s health, he said kidney-related complications are now increasingly being detected among children aged between 10 and 15 years.

The chief whip also voiced concern over food adulteration, saying excessive chemicals are being used in fish, poultry and vegetables, while some dishonest traders are producing and marketing harmful food items knowingly.

Recalling the early days of the National Heart Foundation, he said there was no building at the beginning and medical services were provided sitting on grass fields.

A balloon was released to inaugurate the seminar after recitation from the Holy Quran at the beginning of the programme.

The seminar was chaired by Prof. Khondaker Abdul Awal (Rizvi) while the keynote paper was presented by Prof. Sohel Reza Choudhury.

World Hypertension Day is observed globally on May 17 every year to raise awareness about high blood pressure, one of the major risk factors for heart disease, stroke and kidney ailments.