Dr Zubaida emphasises early detection, awareness of osteoporosis

Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-president of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday called for collective efforts to expand prevention, early detection and treatment services to combat osteoporosis across the country, describing it as a ‘silent’ disease.
She came up with 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.
Dr Zubaida Rahman said an estimated 60 lakh people in Bangladesh were affected by osteoporosis in 2025, with the actual number potentially higher now. Older women account for a significantly higher proportion of those affected, she added.
Citing a study of women aged 45–80 in north-central Bangladesh, she said 40% had osteoporosis, and 43.5% had osteopenia, with more than 83% showing reduced bone density.
She said women in developing countries were more affected by osteoporosis than those in developed nations, stressing the need for further research and regular screening to determine the disease's prevalence in Bangladesh.
She added that effective preventive measures targeting girls and young women could significantly reduce future osteoporosis cases and related complications.
Dr Zubaida proposed forming an ‘Osteoporosis Society’ to coordinate awareness programmes across all 64 districts and observing an annual ‘Osteoporosis Awareness Month’ alongside seminars for physicians at district and specialised hospitals on modern diagnostic methods. She said doctors could play a vital role in educating people about osteoporosis risks and ensuring proper treatment for those affected.
She called for organising bone mineral density screening camps and establishing regular community-based screening services and recommended using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) to assess fracture risks in areas where bone mineral density testing facilities are unavailable.
World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20. This year’s theme was “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life”. Marking the occasion, the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) organised a seminar titled “Osteoporosis: A Preventable Epidemic”.