Published: 09:06 AM, 29 September 2026
World Rabies Day observed
World Rabies Day was observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe, on Monday with various programmes to raise awareness about rabies prevention and support global efforts to eliminate human deaths from the disease rabies.
This year's theme, 'Stronger Together,' highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among communities, health workers, veterinary professionals, governments and global partners to prevent and eliminate the deadly but preventable disease, BSS reports.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said concerted action, including dog vaccination, surveillance, public awareness and timely treatment, is essential to achieving rabies elimination.
The day is observed annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and highlight progress towards defeating the disease, according to WHO.
September 28 also marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first successful rabies vaccine.
Safe and effective vaccines for both animals and humans are among the key tools available to prevent rabies deaths, while public awareness is crucial for encouraging communities to take part in effective prevention measures, WHO said.
In Dhaka, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku called for expanding vaccination programmes, raising public awareness and ensuring timely treatment, particularly in rural areas where awareness remains comparatively low.
The state minister made the call 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.
Earlier, a colourful procession was held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh, where representatives from government and private organisations, development partners, veterinarians and students participated .
In Chattogram, speakers at a discussion said rabies is 100 percent preventable but remains a serious public health concern, particularly in countries including Bangladesh, India and China.
They stressed on public awareness, animal vaccination and prompt medical treatment for people exposed to the disease.
The discussion was organised to mark World Rabies Day 2026.
Earlier, the Chattogram District Livestock Office organised a rally through several city streets, where officials, veterinarians, dairy farmers and other stakeholders participated.
Dr Md Atiar Rahman, director of the Chattogram Divisional Livestock Office, attended the rally as chief guest, while District Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Jobayer Hossain presided over.
In Dinajpur, a discussion on rabies prevention was held today at the Hallroom Kanchan of the Deputy Commissioner's office as part of programmes marking World Rabies Day.
The district administration and Sachetan Nagarik Committee (SANAK) of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) jointly organised the programme, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, District Livestock Officer Dr Abdur Rahim urged people to avoid provoking or harming stray dogs and cats, saying public awareness can help prevent attacks and rabies transmission.
Dinajpur General Hospital Director Dr Sirajul Islam also stressed humane treatment of animals and greater public awareness to reduce dog- and cat-related injuries and the need for vaccines.
