State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has said disease prevention is far more crucial than post-outbreak control, noting that early awareness and timely preventive measures can significantly reduce rabies fatalities.
He said vaccination drives must be expanded, public awareness bolstered and prompt, quality medical care ensured following exposure.
Tuku was speaking as chief guest at a discussion organised by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) at the Cotton Development Board’s conference room in Dhaka on Monday, marking World Rabies Day 2026 under the global theme “Stronger Together: Building a Rabies-Free World.”
Highlighting rural-urban disparities in healthcare literacy, the State Minister said urban residents are relatively well-informed about rabies, while awareness remains limited in rural and marginalised areas, leading to higher casualty rates in rural communities.
He said rabies prevention and control programmes must be intensified across both urban and rural areas, and that nationwide initiatives would be reactivated to ensure equal coverage.
DLS Director General Md Shahzaman Khan chaired the seminar. Cotton Development Board Executive Director Md Rezaul Amin attended as special guest, along with senior DLS officials.
DLS Director (Administration) Md Boyzar Rahman delivered the welcome address, and DLS Director (Extension) Begum Shamsunnahar Ahammad also spoke.
DLS Deputy Director Md A Mannan Mia and Control Spread of Rabies through Street Dog Project Director Mehedi Hasan Bhuiyan presented keynote papers on Bangladesh’s rabies status, vaccination coverage and measures to eradicate rabies by 2030.
A rally was brought out earlier on the day from Krishibid Institution Bangladesh complex. Representatives from DLS, the Directorate General of Health Services, development partners, veterinarians, students and key stakeholders joined the procession.
