Bangladesh's Public Health Crisis: The Alarming Reality of Food Adulteration and Heart Disease
Raisa Mehzabeen
The recent news of Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim Iqbal suffering from heart disease and undergoing a stent placement has once again highlighted the country’s growing public health crisis. For years, we believed that physical activity and fitness could prevent heart disease, yet the reality is proving otherwise.
Heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer are increasing at an alarming rate, even among the younger population. According to the National Kidney Foundation and other research reports, nearly 20 million people in Bangladesh suffer from kidney disease, with 110 individuals experiencing complete kidney failure every day.
One of the primary causes behind this crisis is food adulteration, excessive use of antibiotics in food, and limitations in the healthcare system. The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry and other food products is weakening people's immune systems, leading to severe long-term health risks.
Despite changes in government, there remains a lack of effective measures to combat this public health emergency. If immediate steps are not taken, Bangladesh risks becoming the "Land of Patients"—a country overwhelmed by illness. Policymakers must act swiftly to revolutionize the food and public health systems.
Failure to take necessary actions now will only worsen the situation in the next 10-15 years, making this crisis an inevitable reality.
