HIV infections are increasing steadily in the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh. According to data from the Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital and the Civil Surgeon’s Office, a total of 139 HIV-positive individuals were identified in Rajshahi between 2019 and March 2025. Of these, 92 individuals were classified as men who have sex with men (MSM), accounting for approximately 66.18 percent of all identified cases. During the same period, the total number of HIV-positive cases across the eight districts of Rajshahi Division reached 794.
Public health experts attribute the rise in infections to risky sexual behaviors, inadequate awareness about HIV, social stigma, and hidden social networks that make prevention and control efforts more challenging. Concerns have also been raised about the expansion of online communication networks and regular gatherings in certain locations within the city.
Statistics from Rajshahi Medical College Hospital
According to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, a total of 12,852 individuals underwent HIV testing between 2019 and March 2025. Among them, 115 people tested positive for HIV.
Of the identified cases, 105 were male, 9 were female, and 1 belonged to the transgender community. In terms of marital status, 48 individuals were married and 67 were unmarried. Age-based analysis shows that 35 infected individuals were between 15 and 24 years old, while 80 were between 25 and 50 years old. Four of the identified patients were migrant workers who had returned from abroad.
Risk-group analysis indicates that among the HIV-positive individuals, 58 were identified as MSM, 35 reported contact with sex workers, 2 were tuberculosis patients, 1 was a sex worker, 2 belonged to the transgender community, and 14 were from the general population.
Additional Data from the Civil Surgeon’s Office
The Civil Surgeon’s Office reported an additional 34 HIV-positive individuals who were identified outside the hospital’s records. All of these individuals were classified as MSM. Among them, 31 were male and 3 were transgender.
Based on marital status, 25 were married and 6 were unmarried. Age-wise, 9 individuals were below 25 years of age, while 25 were over 25 years old.
When data from both institutions are combined, it appears that 92 of the 139 HIV-positive individuals identified in Rajshahi were MSM. Public health specialists believe that these figures provide important insights into local transmission patterns and risk factors.
HIV Situation in Rajshahi Division
According to the Divisional Health Directorate, a total of 794 HIV-positive individuals have been identified across the eight districts of Rajshahi Division.
District-wise figures are as follows:
- Sirajganj: 310 cases
- Rajshahi: 131 cases
- Bogura: 109 cases
- Pabna: 78 cases
- Naogaon: 65 cases
- Natore: 43 cases
- Joypurhat: 37 cases
- Chapainawabganj: 21 cases
Sirajganj recorded the highest number of cases among all districts. Health officials describe the increasing trend as a significant public health concern.
Hidden Networks and Social Media Connections
Investigations suggest that groups of individuals regularly gather in several secluded areas of Rajshahi city during nighttime. Locations frequently mentioned by local residents include C&B More (Shimla), Court Station, Dingadoba, Phultola, and several areas along the Padma River embankment.
Residents claim that various covert activities have been taking place in these areas for years. However, allegations persist that no visible or effective enforcement measures have been undertaken by the authorities.
Beyond physical gatherings, social media platforms are reportedly being used to establish communication networks. Sources indicate that platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and Telegram are used to connect individuals, recruit new members, and expand personal networks.
Experts note that technology-based communication systems make HIV surveillance, prevention, and intervention efforts more complex.
Need for Awareness and Social Acceptance
S. N. Abdullah Al Reza, Project Manager of the HIV-focused organization Aposh, emphasized that many people continue to view HIV-positive individuals negatively, leading to psychological distress and social isolation.
He stated, “An HIV-positive diagnosis does not necessarily mean that the infection resulted from sexual transmission. HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, contaminated needles, and from mother to child. While the government provides free treatment, greater social acceptance and support are equally important.”
An HIV-positive individual, who requested anonymity, said, “I became infected due to a lack of awareness and risky behavior. Eventually, the disease progressed to the AIDS stage. Public awareness must be increased because many people still do not fully understand the risks and consequences of HIV.”
Medical Experts’ Observations
Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan Bhuiyan, Assistant Registrar (Medicine) at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said that HIV infections have been increasing in Bangladesh over the past several years.
He explained, “Among men who have sex with men, particularly receptive partners, the risk of HIV transmission is comparatively higher because the rectal lining is more vulnerable to injury, which can facilitate viral transmission.”
Dr. Bhuiyan further noted, “HIV is not transmitted solely through sexual contact. It can also spread through unscreened blood transfusions, sharing contaminated syringes, needle-sharing among people who inject drugs, and mother-to-child transmission. Therefore, awareness and preventive measures remain essential.”
Dr. Ibrahim Md. Sharaf, Focal Person of the HIV Testing and Counseling Center at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said, “The number of HIV infections associated with sexual behavior is increasing. Detection rates are particularly high among MSM, while infection rates among individuals who visit sex workers are also concerning. However, identifying infected individuals is a positive development because it enables them to access treatment and reduces the risk of further transmission.”
Challenges in Accessing Treatment
Although an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Center has been established at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, many patients continue to face difficulties in accessing treatment.
Patients report that although the ART Center began operating in Rajshahi in December 2024, many medical records of individuals diagnosed before its establishment remain at the ART Center of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura. As a result, patients must continue traveling to Bogura for medication collection and follow-up care.
Affected individuals have urged the authorities to transfer their records to Rajshahi so they can receive comprehensive treatment closer to home. Many patients state that frequent long-distance travel imposes both financial and psychological burdens.
Public health experts emphasize that controlling HIV requires evidence-based prevention strategies rather than blaming any particular group. Increasing awareness about HIV transmission, promoting regular testing, encouraging safer sexual practices, ensuring accessible treatment services, and reducing social stigma are all essential components of an effective response.
Experts believe that HIV transmission can be significantly reduced through inclusive public health programs, timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and a discrimination-free environment that encourages individuals to seek care without fear or prejudice.