We live with every breath, but how much do we think about the lungs that make each breath possible? World Lung Day comes round every year on September 25 to remind us. It is organised by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), and the theme for 2026 is “A Lifetime of Lung Health”. The theme is highly significant: FIRS says lung health is not a matter of one day but a lifelong journey.
Chest disease organisations in the country hold various events to mark the day. The Bangladesh Lung Foundation marked it with seminars, TV talk shows and programmes in various media. “Healthy lungs mean a vibrant life. Every breath is a priceless gift bound up with our lives. One conscious decision can change your future health. If you smoke, decide to quit today,” said Dr Kazi Saifuddin Bennoor, director of BMRC and joint secretary of the Bangladesh Lung Foundation.
“For healthy lungs, being free of disease is not enough; a healthy lifestyle is needed. Small good habits every day can keep our lungs healthy for a long time. Get regular physical activity and stay as active as you can. Make exercise or sport part of daily life. Eat nutritious, balanced food and drink enough water, and pay attention to getting enough sleep and rest,” said Professor Dr Abdus Shakur Khan, vice-principal of Anwer Khan Modern Medical College and treasurer of the foundation.
“Clean air is one of the most basic needs for living healthily. But air pollution is now a major threat to our lungs. Smoke, dust and harmful particles enter our bodies with every breath, which can affect everyone from children to adults. Children’s lungs are still developing, so protecting them is especially important. Wear a mask when needed. Avoid smoking. Support environmentally friendly initiatives, including cutting smoke from vehicles and factories. Planting more trees to create a green environment is also our responsibility,” said the foundation’s secretary general, Dr Asif Mujtaba Mahmud.
Dr Zahirul Islam Shakil, president of another chest disease organisation and secretary general of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh, said various organisations were holding seminars on lung health to mark the day, and the Chest and Heart Association had held four seminars and a rally. “We need to raise awareness, give up and discourage smoking, protect the environment and stop air pollution,” he said. Vehicle, factory and brick kiln smoke must be controlled, and the tobacco control law passed by the current government must be implemented, he said, noting the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees in five years and urging everyone to plant two trees and make it a social movement. To control lung disease and non-communicable diseases, people must eat well, exercise and keep the environment clean, he said.
“The number of patients at the hospital keeps rising year round. So, with this year’s theme in mind, be aware from today if you want to live with healthy lungs all your life,” said Dr Golam Sarwar Biddut, director of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital.
“Our lungs work silently for us every moment of our lives, delivering the oxygen our bodies need with every breath. Healthy lungs are the foundation of a normal life. But air pollution, smoking, second-hand smoke and unhealthy lifestyles are major risks. Lung care must start today. Avoid smoking and encourage others to stay smoke-free. Protect yourself from dust, smoke and air pollution. Exercise regularly and live healthily. Do not ignore a long-lasting cough, breathlessness or other unusual symptoms, and see a doctor promptly if needed,” said Professor Ali Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Lung Foundation.
On World Lung Day 2026, let us pledge that every breath will be clean and every lung will be cared for throughout life.
The writer is a chest disease specialist, associate professor and head of department at Shahabuddin Medical College Hospital.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report