Bangladesh Reaffirms Cancer Care Commitment

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to building an integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system through the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. The government is focusing on prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, skilled human resources, quality assurance and palliative care as interconnected parts of a patient-centred system.

Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam made the remarks on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, while addressing the IAEA Scientific Forum 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The forum was held under the theme ‘Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care’.

At the beginning of his speech, the minister expressed his sincere appreciation to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat leadership for advancing the ‘Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All’ initiative.

He said the Bangladesh government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to addressing the country’s growing cancer burden through the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology. Bangladesh also aims to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being for all.

The minister stressed that equipment and infrastructure alone cannot ensure sustainable cancer care. A comprehensive system must also integrate prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, skilled professionals, quality assurance and palliative care.

Faqir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh joined the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative in 2025 and is working closely with the IAEA to turn the partnership into effective national programmes.

One of the key priorities is to establish an integrated one-stop cancer care centre. Such a centre would provide more coordinated, accessible and patient-centred cancer services, he said.

The minister praised the IAEA’s technical cooperation and said its support is highly important for capacity building, knowledge exchange and strengthening a sustainable cancer care system in Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh is looking forward to the IAEA–WHO–IMPACT Review Mission scheduled for November 2026. The mission will provide an important opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of Bangladesh’s national cancer control capacity and for setting practical priorities across the cancer care system.

The minister also said Bangladesh is committed to strengthening research and development while expanding opportunities for international education, training, fellowships and joint research for students, scientists and researchers.

Developing skilled human resources and building knowledge-based partnerships are essential to ensuring that the benefits of nuclear science and technology reach society over the long term, he added.

Faqir Mahbub Anam said the government’s goal is to build a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system in Bangladesh so that the benefits of nuclear science and technology reach people who need them most.

He expressed Bangladesh’s firm commitment to working closely with the IAEA and its partners to turn the promise of the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative into tangible and lasting benefits for the people of Bangladesh.
//DBTech/AAM/SME/MIST//