Nearly 80 per cent of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifications and controlling high blood pressure, quitting smoking, avoiding unhealthy diets and staying physically active, said experts.
The experts said this at the International Stroke Conference 2025 held on Sunday at Bangladesh Medical University, marking a significant milestone in advancing stroke awareness, prevention and treatment.
They urged community-level interventions and called for integrating stroke education into schools, workplaces, and even urban planning.
Speakers said that a new era for acute stroke care and the development of next-generation neurointervention services conference can raise public awareness, enhance prevention and ensure modern stroke treatment in Bangladesh.
With the theme of Transformation of Acute Stroke Care and Development of Next Generation Neurointervention Services in BMU, the scientific session highlighted innovative approaches to emergency stroke treatment and advanced neurointervention technologies.
Experts emphasised that stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Bangladesh 鈥� yet most cases are preventable.
Organised by BMU鈥檚 Department of Neurology, the event took place at Shaheed Dr Milon Hall. BMU vice-chancellor Professor Md Shahinul Alam attended the programme as the chief guest while pro-vice chancellor (administration) Professor Md Abul Kalam Azad presided over the session.
Vice-chancellor Professor Md Shahinul Alam said the International Stroke Conference would open a new horizon in stroke management.
鈥榃ith the support of foreign experts, BMU aims to ensure state-of-the-art stroke treatment facilities in Bangladesh. Their participation today reflects a strong commitment to advancing modern neurological care in our country,鈥� he said.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, prevention strategies, and the need for integrated stroke management.
Experts said despite progress in medical science, public knowledge about stroke remains alarmingly low.
Millions in Bangladesh still fail to recognise early symptoms, leading to treatment delays and preventable deaths, they said.
Recognising some early signs including face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty can save both life and brain, they said.
Speakers later emphasised the need to align Bangladesh鈥檚 stroke management guidelines with international standards, expand data sharing, and strengthen global training programmes.
Sustainable progress in stroke prevention and care is impossible without global collaboration, they said.