Nationwide measures urged to prevent rabies, reduce related deaths.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today said the incidence of rabies and related deaths can be significantly reduced if appropriate measures are taken.
He said preventing the disease is more important than controlling it after infection occurs. To achieve the goal, vaccination programmes must be expanded, public awareness raised, and prompt, effective treatment ensured following infection, he said.
The state minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion, organised by the Department of Livestock Services, on the occasion of the World Rabies Day 2026.
The meeting was held at the conference room of the Cotton Development Board in the capital. This year's theme of the day is: "Stronger Together".
In his speech, the state minister said awareness regarding rabies is relatively high among urban populations, while it remains low at the grassroots level.
Consequently, he said, a higher number of deaths from rabies is observed in rural areas and that is why rabies prevention and control activities must be strengthened in rural areas alongside urban areas. Tuku said initiatives will be taken to launch nationwide activities to this end.
He said all government activities are conducted for the welfare and interest of the people. Beyond food security, people are becoming increasingly conscious of whether the animals they consume are disease-free and safe, he said.
The state minister said animal disease control is directly linked to human health protection so programmes must be carried out by considering animal health and public health in an integrated manner.
He said the livestock sector plays a vital role in the country's grassroots economy. To harness the sector's potential, emphasis must be placed on disease control, animal health protection, and raising awareness among farmers and livestock rearers, he said.
He stressed the need for more seminars, publicity campaigns, and field-level activities to boost awareness at the grassroots level.
"At the same time, supervision of field-level officials needs to be further intensified. Only then it will be possible to achieve the desired goals in rabies prevention," Tuku said.
Md Salim Khan, Executive Director (Routine Charge) of the Cotton Development Board, attended the event as a special guest, with Md. Shahzaman Khan, Director General (in-charge) of the Department of Livestock Services, in the chair.
Dr Md Bayzer Rahman, Director (Administration) of the Department of Livestock Services, delivered the welcome address, while DR. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Director (Extension), also spoke at the event.
Keynote presentations were delivered by Dr Md A Mannan Miah, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Services, and Dr Mehedi Hasan Bhuiyan, project director of the rabies prevention project.
Earlier, a colourful procession was held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) here marking the World Rabies Day.
Representatives from the Department of Livestock Services, the Directorate General of Health Services, various government and private institutions, development partners, veterinarians, students, and stakeholders participated in the event.
