Staff Correspondent

Approximately 45 million people in Bangladesh are affected by fatty liver disease, and at least 10 million of them are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis or cancer. Experts have stated that the alarming rise of this disease is due to the consumption of high-carbohydrate foods, lack of physical activity, and poor lifestyle habits.

These findings were revealed during a public awareness discussion held on Thursday at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on the occasion of the 8th Global Fatty Liver Day, under the theme “Eat Less, Walk More—Keep Fatty Liver Away.”

The event was presided over by Prof Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and President of the Hepatology Society. 

The chief guest was former Advisor to the Caretaker Government for Health and Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Prof (Retd.) Major General Dr. A. S. M. Matiur Rahman. The keynote speaker was liver specialist Dr. Md. Golam Azam from BIRDEM Hospital.

Experts stated that fatty liver has now surpassed viral hepatitis in prevalence. It not only causes liver inflammation but also reduces the effectiveness of insulin hormones, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

They reported that one in every three adults in Bangladesh is affected by fatty liver. Without diagnosis and control, this condition can progress to NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis), a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Professor (Retd.) Dr. A. S. M. Matiur Rahman said, “A major disaster looms ahead—we are seeing fatty liver surpass viral hepatitis. Yet we continue to neglect it as a ‘silent disease.’ This is not just a personal issue; it is a threat to the economy, society, and the health security of future generations.”

He emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to prevent fatty liver. “This cannot be solved by doctors or the health ministry alone. Changes are needed in food policy, urban planning, and the education system. If children do not have opportunities to play in school, they will grow up with obesity and liver disease.”

Dr. Md. Golam Azam, the keynote speaker and liver specialist at BIRDEM, said, “We have underestimated fatty liver for too long. Now we are realizing that this single disease is a root cause of diabetes, heart attacks, and even cancer. The problem is—90% of patients don’t even know they have it because there are no symptoms. By the time it’s discovered, the liver is often severely damaged.”

He added, “One in three people in Bangladesh has fatty liver. Those who sit for more than five hours a day, eat fast food, and avoid walking are at the highest risk.

In his presidential address, Dr. Shahinul Alam said, “Unless we ensure walkable environments and access to sports—from schools to universities, from offices to homes—medication and awareness campaigns will not be enough. We want the new generation to value health over weight. For that, we need changes at the policy level.”

He stressed the need to make nutritious food more accessible and discourage consumption of foods high in trans fat, sugar, and salt. “Food manufacturers must be held accountable—they must not be allowed to produce harmful products just for profit.”

Citing recent research, he said, “Those who sit for at least five hours a day, consume fried street food, and engage in minimal physical activity are at the highest risk of fatty liver. Especially those who eat large amounts of rice and carbohydrate-rich foods without walking enough are the most likely to develop this disease.”

He added, “Prevention is the main treatment for fatty liver. A single test can detect the disease. But due to lack of awareness, millions of people in the country do not know their liver is slowly deteriorating. If we do not act now, the health risks for the next generation will become catastrophic.”

Prof Dr. Dewan Saifuddin Ahmed, Dr. Tanvir Ahmad, Dr. Abu Hena Abid Zafar, Dr. S. K. Bahar Hossain, Dr. Abdullah Al Mahmud, Professor Firoz Amin, Md. Masud Alam, journalist Tushar Abdullah, and singer Agun, among other distinguished individuals spoke.