While students are often perceived as being part of a healthy demographic of society, recent research suggests a contrasting picture.

The health challenges faced by Bangladeshi students have evolved significantly over the past few decades. Alongside traditional concerns, a new wave of health issues has already emerged. These problems not only affect students’ physical well-being but also influence their academic performance, productivity, future development, and overall life.

According to Dr Tawfiq Shahriar Huq, Professor, Department of Cardiology, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, in recent times, the cardiac conditions of students are substantially subpar. Nowadays, many young people aged 16 or 17, and even 15, are becoming victims of cardiac arrest and hypertension.

Nutritional deficiencies and nutritional imbalance also continue to affect a significant number of Bangladeshi students. Diabetes is the biggest example. Despite improvements in the country’s overall nutrition indicators by INFS, BFSA, and FPMU, many adolescents still suffer from inadequate diets. A large proportion of students consume meals that are high in carbohydrates but lack sufficient protein, iron, vitamins, and essential minerals. As a result, iron deficiency and haemoglobin deficits, known as anaemia, remain particularly prevalent among adolescent girls.

Dr Tawfiq Shahriar Huq emphasises that proper nutrition during the student years is crucial because this period represents one of the most important stages of physical and mental development.

Talking about the roles of INFS, BFSA, and FPMU, many students still fail to eat a proper hygienic diet, especially students residing in university halls or messes.

The air in Bangladesh is also a major problem. Respiratory diseases are another common health issue among Bangladeshi students, especially those living in urban areas. Bangladesh, and particularly Dhaka, frequently experiences hazardous levels of air pollution. AQI ranks Dhaka consistently between the second and fifth most polluted cities worldwide.

During seasonal changes, respiratory infections such as influenza and viral fevers often spread rapidly among students, resulting in absenteeism and disruptions to activities.

Although Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in controlling many communicable diseases, infectious illnesses remain common among students. Seasonal influenza, common colds, dengue fever, typhoid, diarrhoeal diseases, and foodborne infections continue to affect thousands of students every year.

Students living in hostels, dormitories, and densely populated urban neighbourhoods face a higher risk due to close contact with others and shared facilities. Waterborne diseases remain a concern in areas where access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is limited. Dengue fever, in particular, has emerged as a significant seasonal threat, with outbreaks affecting large numbers of school and university students in recent years. Such illnesses not only pose immediate health risks but can also disrupt education by causing prolonged absences from classes and examinations.

At the same time, Bangladesh is witnessing a growing prevalence of obesity among students. Fast food, sugary beverages, and excessive screen time have become increasingly common.

Dr Tawfiq Shahriar Huq explained this phenomenon as the “double burden of malnutrition”, where undernutrition and obesity coexist within the same population.

Vision-related problems have also become increasingly prevalent.

The rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed learning methods, but it has also introduced new health challenges. Students spend extended periods using electronic devices for both educational and recreational purposes. Excessive screen exposure can lead to digital eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and the progression of myopia, or short-sightedness. Ophthalmologists, in general, have reported a noticeable increase in vision problems among children and adolescents.

Insomnia is another concern. Many students struggle to maintain healthy sleeping patterns due to workloads and other addictions. The widespread use of digital devices before bedtime has further exacerbated this issue by disrupting natural sleep cycles and reducing sleep quality.

The health challenges facing Bangladeshi students today reflect broader social, economic, and technological changes occurring throughout the country. These conditions often interact with one another, creating a complex network of health risks that can affect students throughout their lives.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts, which are greatly needed these days. As the nation continues its journey from sub-periphery to core, ensuring the health of its students will remain essential for building a productive, educated, and resilient future generation.