Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-president of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, today (20 October) called for implementation of a coordinated programme across the country to ensure treatment for those suffering from osteoporosis and to raise public awareness about the disease.
Describing osteoporosis as a "silent" disease, she said it causes bones to become weak, thin, and porous, significantly increasing the risk of sudden fractures.
This condition disrupts the normal life of those affected and diminishes their ability to perform daily activities, she said.
Dr Zubaida Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a scientific seminar at the convention hall of the Super Specialised Hospital building at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in the capital, marking the World Osteoporosis Day.
The seminar, titled "Osteoporosis: A Preventable Epidemic", was organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).
In her speech, Dr Zubaida Rahman said a large number of people in Bangladesh suffer from bone fractures and long-term distress due to osteoporosis.
She stressed the urgent need for effective measures to address this situation.
Through collective effort, she said, it is possible to extend prevention, detection, and treatment services to people in every region of the country.
Dr Zubaida Rahman mentioned that, according to 2025 statistics, an estimated 60 lakh people in Bangladesh are affected by osteoporosis – the figure could be even higher today.
Among the elderly population affected, a significantly higher proportion is women, she said.
Citing research conducted on women aged 45 to 80 in the north-central region of Bangladesh, she said the study revealed a 40% prevalence of osteoporosis and a 43.5% prevalence of osteopenia.
More than 83% of the women who participated in the research showed a deficiency in bone density, she said.
Besides, a hospital-based study conducted on women aged 46 to 65 in urban areas found a 41.8% prevalence of osteoporosis and a 40.7% prevalence of osteopenia.
Dr Zubaida Rahman said women in developing countries are more affected by this condition than those in developed nations.
It is difficult to determine precise statistics on how many women in Bangladesh suffer from osteoporosis, and that is why further research and regular screening are essential to ascertain the true scenario of the disease, she said.
She said that by implementing proper preventive measures for girls and young women, it would be possible to significantly reduce the future incidence of osteoporosis and its associated complications.
Proposing several steps to prevent osteoporosis, Dr Zubaida Rahman suggested the formation of an "Osteoporosis Society" which would facilitate the coordinated implementation of awareness programmes across all 64 districts of the country, ensuring that no one suffers from the pain and distress caused by this condition for lack of awareness or access to screening.
She said doctors' community can play a vital role in educating the people about the risks of osteoporosis and ensuring that those affected receive proper treatment.
In addition, she said, awareness could be raised nationwide through the country's 100,000 frontline health workers.
She proposed the observance of an "Osteoporosis Awareness Month" each year, which could include regular events, rallies, and public awareness campaigns.
She also stressed the importance of organising seminars for physicians at district and specialised hospitals to introduce modern diagnostic methods.
Highlighting the need to increase awareness regarding public health and nutrition, Dr Zubaida Rahman emphasised the importance of addressing nutritional factors such as Vitamin D deficiency, reduced bone mineral density, and calcium intake during childhood.
She said educators and leaders in the medical field could spearhead awareness-raising initiatives on these issues.
She called for arranging screening camps to assess bone mineral density and the establishment of regular, community-based screening opportunities.
Dr Zubaida Rahman highlighted the use of the "Fracture Risk Assessment Tool" (FRAX) to evaluate the risk of bone fractures in areas where facilities for measuring bone mineral density are unavailable.
She said it is important to take a coordinated nationwide initiative to mitigate the consequences of osteoporosis, increase public awareness about the condition, and ensure access to treatment for those affected.
Chaired by DAP President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid, the seminar was addressed, among others, by BNP standing committee member and chief adviser to DAB Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar and Dr Abdus Salam, MP.
The seminar featured a Q&A session, a panel discussion, and a quiz.
Participants in the panel discussion included Professor Dr Erfanul Haque Siddiqui, Professor Dr Faruk Kashem, Professor Dr Syed Akram Hossain, Professor Dr Shamim Ahmed, Dr Sheikh Farid Ahmed and Professor Mohammad Belalul Islam.
World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October to raise awareness about osteoporosis - a condition characterised by the weakening and increased fragility of bones, which elevates the risk of fractures.