Threat of rabies in Bangladesh

FE Team | Published: April 26, 2026 21:34:22

Rabies (jolatonko) remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh despite notable progress in recent decades. The disease, primarily transmitted through dog bites, is almost 100 per cent fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention crucial. Each year, an estimated 300,000-400,000 people in Bangladesh suffer animal bites, highlighting the ongoing risk of exposure.
In recent years, the country has made substantial progress through its National Rabies Elimination Programme through mass dog vaccination, public awareness and improved access to post-exposure prophylaxis. As a result, rabies-related deaths have dramatically declined compared to earlier decades when thousands of deaths were reported annually.
However, recent data indicate a concerning trend. Reported deaths increased from 42 in 2023 to 59 in 2025, with additional fatalities already recorded in early 2026. This rise has been linked to gaps in dog vaccination campaigns, limited awareness, and delays in seeking timely treatment.
Although Bangladesh aims to achieve zero rabies deaths by 2030, challenges such as stray dog population control and uneven healthcare access persist. Strengthening vaccination programmes, improving public awareness and ensuring timely treatment are essential to eliminate rabies and protect public health.
Ashikujaman Syed
Research Associate,
Bioinformatics Research Lab,
Center for Research Innovation and Development (CRID).
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com