'Number of HIV positives increasing in Bangladesh'

Though Bangladesh is a low prevalence country for HIV/AIDS, the number of HIV positives is increasing every year, the speakers noted.

The Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) organised the discussion on 'HIV/AIDS and Human Rights' at a restaurant in Dhaka.

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The participants said that although condoms can prevent infection, the rate of its usage is still low, which is one of the main reasons behind the spread of the disease.

Evaristo Marowa, country coordinator of UNAIDS, underscored the active role of media and other organisations to disseminate information about AIDS and the rights of the HIV positives.

According to the official figure, there are a total of 363 HIV positives in the country at present and 115 of them were identified this year.

However, the unofficial statistics put the number of HIV positives at 20,000.

Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, president of Dhaka Union of Journalists, was present as special guest while Khairuzzaman Kamal, executive director of BMSF, presided.

Journalist Saleem Samad, Faruq Quazi, MA Sabur of Department for International Development and Advocate Dilruba Akhter of Bangladesh Bar Council also spoke.