Bangladesh pledges integrated cancer-care system through IAEA initiative
DHAKA, September 15, 2026 — Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the country’s growing cancer burden through the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, with a focus on building a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer-care system.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam made the remarks while addressing the IAEA Scientific Forum 2026 on “Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care” in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday.
The minister expressed appreciation to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the agency’s secretariat for their leadership in advancing the “Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All” initiative.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is committed to addressing the country’s rising cancer burden through the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, Anam said.
He said such efforts would also contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
“Sustainable cancer care requires much more than equipment and infrastructure,” the minister said, stressing the need for an integrated and patient-centred approach covering prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, trained human resources, quality assurance and palliative care.
Bangladesh joined the Rays of Hope initiative in 2025 and has been working with the IAEA to translate the partnership into concrete national action, he said.
The minister identified the development of a comprehensive one-stop cancer care centre as a key priority for providing more integrated, accessible and patient-centred services.
Anam also highlighted the importance of IAEA technical cooperation in capacity building, knowledge exchange and strengthening sustainable cancer-care systems.
He said Bangladesh looks forward to the forthcoming IAEA–WHO–IMPACT Review Mission in November 2026, describing it as an important opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of the country’s national cancer-control capacities.
The review mission would also help identify practical priorities across the cancer-care continuum, he added.
The minister further said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening research and development while expanding opportunities for students, scientists and researchers through international education, training, fellowships and collaborative research.
Building human capacity and fostering knowledge partnerships would remain essential to ensuring that nuclear science and technology deliver lasting benefits to society, he said.
Anam said Bangladesh’s ambition is to build a cancer-care system in which the benefits of nuclear science and technology reach those who need them most.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working closely with the IAEA and its partners to turn the Rays of Hope initiative into tangible and lasting outcomes for the people of Bangladesh.
