|| Syed Akhtar Siraji: More than half of Bangladesh’s total population is affected by some form of hormone-related disease, yet most people remain unaware of these conditions. To ensure proper management and quality treatment, a specialized hospital or Endocrine Institute is urgently needed.The remarks were made by specialist physicians on Saturday (April 25) at a free thyroid hormone testing and open discussion program for journalists, jointly organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) at Segunbagicha in the capital.In the open discussion, doctors said hormone-related health problems are silently taking the form of an epidemic in Bangladesh. Currently, about 55% of the population suffers from some form of hormone-related diabetes or thyroid disorder. Due to lack of proper knowledge and awareness, most patients do not seek medical attention. In the country, 75% of cases involve diabetes and 55% involve thyroid disease. “Thyroid is a silent killer,” the physicians warned.The doctors added that hormone-related diseases are silent killers. Symptoms include obesity, weakness, various male and female health complications, and even infertility and sexual dysfunction.Speaking as chief guest, ACEDB President Prof. Dr. Md. Farid Uddin said at least 50 million people in the country are at risk of thyroid disease. If detected early and treated properly, future serious risks can be avoided. He urged everyone to come forward to raise public awareness and reduce the family and social burden.Dr. Farid further said that although diabetes, thyroid, and other hormone-related diseases are being treated in every government hospital, a specialized hospital or Endocrine Institute is necessary to ensure overall proper management and quality treatment. “The government’s goodwill is needed in this regard,” he noted.Prof. Farid Uddin said most hormone-related diseases are preventable. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management can significantly reduce the risk.The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Indrajit Prasad, Head of the Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism at Dhaka Medical College; Prof. Dr. A K M Aminul Islam, Head of the Endocrinology Department at Sir Salimullah Medical College; Md. Khairul Islam, Head of Marketing (Derma Portfolio) at Renata PLC; DRU Vice President Mehdi Azad Masum; and Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel, among others. The program was moderated by DRU Executive Member and Channel i correspondent Akhter Hossain.Also present were DRU Office Secretary Rashim Molla, Women Affairs Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Panna, Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel, senior members Sukumar Sarkar and Syed Akhtar Siraji, and Executive Members Ali Azam, Mahfuz Sadi, and Sumon.Renata PLC provided overall support for the hormone testing program.