Govt begins work on national molecular biology lab, plans cancer facilities in divisional cities

The government has started work on establishing a National Molecular Biology Laboratory to advance cancer biology research and modern medical science, alongside plans to develop cancer treatment facilities in every divisional city, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit said today (13 November).

He made the announcement as the chief guest at the inauguration of the sixth Bangladesh Breast Cancer Conference 2026 (BBC26), organised by the Bangladesh Society for Breast Cancer Study (BSBCS), at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Stressing the importance of early detection of breast cancer, Muhit said many women in Bangladesh die from the disease every year, while research shows that most patients seek medical attention only when the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

“The later cancer is detected, the greater the complications and the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body. But cancer is no longer necessarily a fatal disease. Particularly in the case of breast cancer, if it is detected at a very early stage and treated properly, the mortality rate is very low, and patients can live healthy lives for many years,” he said.

Highlighting the need for regular screening programmes for women in specific age groups, the state minister said widespread public awareness and targeted screening initiatives were essential for detecting breast cancer early.

“Proper screening can help identify the risk of the disease or its symptoms at a very early stage,” he added.

Speaking about the government’s plans to modernise cancer treatment and develop skilled medical professionals, Muhit said the use of molecular biology techniques was bringing major changes to cancer treatment worldwide.

“To improve the healthcare system of the future, the government has decided to establish a National Molecular Biology Laboratory at the national level, and work on this has already begun,” he said.

He also said the government is working to procure modern equipment for cancer institutes and develop new cancer specialists and skilled professionals through training programmes at home and abroad.