To eradicate tuberculosis, they stressed detection of tuberculosis patients and creating mass awareness about the fatality of the disease.

The experts were speaking at a 'meet the press' organised by National Tuberculosis Association of Bangladesh (Natab) at National Press Club in the city.

Speaking at the programme, General Secretary of Natab Dr Sakhawat Hossain said that treatment and medication for tuberculosis patients are free of cost. He emphasised creating mass awareness, specially among the poor as they are the most vulnerable.

The most dangerous thing about the tuberculosis patients is that after continuing medication for a few days, they start feeling better and they stop taking medicines regularly and become careless. As a result, some sort of resistance power grows in the germs that ultimately leads to death, he said.

He also said that the best way to fight tuberculosis is early detection and regular medicine.

Speaking at the programme, Tuberculosis Consultant at Natab Dr Nasir Uddin said the DOTs (Direct Observation Therapy) approach proved efficient to combat tuberculosis at rural level. Many tuberculosis patients are yet to be detected and that is why creating awareness about the symptoms of tuberculosis among the mass is a must, he added.

Members of Natab Dr Nur Uddin, Kamal Uz Zaman, Project Coordinator Sagupta Sultana and Secretary Musharraf Hossain also spoke.