State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit today addressed a conference at hotel InterContinental. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug. 6, 2026 (BSS)-State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit today said preventing diabetes requires a coordinated approach involving science, religion and society, stressing that the healthcare services alone are insufficient to tackle the growing burden of this disease.

"Diabetes cannot be prevented solely through hospitals or medical treatment. We need to harness science, religious values and social partnerships to address this challenge," he said this while addressing a conference at hotel InterContinental here as the chief guest.

The state minister said religious leaders can play a vital role in shaping people's lifestyles and social values.

"If the imams, priests, monks, purohits and other religious leaders encourage healthy living, behavioral change and regular primary health check-ups, it will be possible to build a healthier Bangladesh," he said.

Dr. Muhit said the present government has been providing honorariums and allowances to religious leaders since assuming office, but their engagement should not remain limited to financial support alone and should be utilized to promote public health.

Referring to research findings, he said diabetes prevention programmes in the country that incorporate religious values have reduced the incidence of Type 2 diabetes among the high-risk individuals by approximately 42 to 43 percent.

"This is an extraordinary example of the integration of science and religious faith," he added.

The state minister expressed his hope that the implementation of the "Dhaka Declaration," adopted at the conference with the participation of leaders from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist communities, would serve as a shining example of Bangladesh's religious harmony and inclusive society on the global stage.

Among others, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof. Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Head of the Dhaka Regional Hub of the Islamic Development Bank Ali M. Khan, Executive Director of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance Dr. Amit Gupta, President of the Diabetes in Asia Study Group Prof. Abdul Basit, Chair of IDF South-East Asia Dr. Banshi Saboo, JICA Chief Representative Takahashi Junko, OIC Assistant Secretary General Md. Aftab Ahmed Khokher, WHO Bangladesh Deputy Representative Dr. Rajesh Narwal, World Diabetes Foundation Board Member Sabia Akram and International Diabetes Federation President Prof. Peter Schwarz also addressed the event.

Religious leaders who spoke at the conference included Director General of the Islamic Foundation Hafez Mawlana Mufti Muhammad Mahibbullahil Baqi Nadvi, Trustee of the Buddhist Welfare Trust under the Ministry of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Sukomal Barua, Director of Saint John Vianney Hospital Father. Dr. Lintu Francis Costa and President of Sri Sri Gita Sangha Bangladesh Nityananda Chakraborty.