The ‘Pink Road Rally’ 2026, aimed at raising public awareness about breast cancer, began its journey from the capital on Friday morning, heading towards Barishal.

Organised by the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum, the campaign has brought together around 50 active voluntary organisations working to prevent breast cancer and promote public awareness. Participating organisations include World Cancer Society Bangladesh, COC, YWCA, Khorshed Jahan Haque Cancer Research and Hospital, Naripokkho, Gonoshasthaya Community-Based Cancer Hospital, BCF, Manabik Unnayan Kendra, Friends of Bangladesh, Jamalpur Samity Dhaka, Pallima Mohila Parishad, Aparajita, TMSS, CCEPRB, HEAL, Rotary Club and Inner Wheel Club District 328, among others.

Doctors, healthcare workers, specialist surgeons, cancer survivors, organisers and cultural activists are taking part in the awareness campaign aboard a specially decorated pink bus. The initiative aims to educate local communities through roadside meetings, brief rallies and the distribution of informational leaflets written in simple Bengali.

Departing from Dhaka on Friday morning, the rally is scheduled to reach Barishal on the first day after passing through Srinagar, Bhanga, Tekerhat, Rajoir, Kalkini, Torki Bandar, Gournadi, Batajor, Shikarpur and Wazirpur. Awareness sessions and leaflet distribution will be conducted at designated locations throughout the day, after which the team will stay overnight in Barishal.

In the next phase, the campaign will cover around 40 towns and localities, including Nalchity, Jhalakathi, Durgasagar, Banaripara, Babuganj, Rahmatpur, Mostafapur, Madaripur, Shariatpur and Naria. Roadside meetings and leaflet distribution will be organised at key locations in coordination with local stakeholders before the rally returns to Dhaka.

World Cancer Society Bangladesh, Gonoshasthaya Kendra and several other voluntary organisations are providing overall support for the initiative.

The rally was formally inaugurated by Professor Dr Md Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, chief coordinator of the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum and a prominent cancer epidemiologist.

Speaking at the inauguration, he said breast cancer could be treated successfully when detected at an early stage, stressing the importance of regular examinations and spreading awareness at the grassroots level.

Dr Syed Humayun Kabir, president of World Cancer Society Bangladesh and a cancer prevention specialist, also spoke at the event. He emphasised the importance of social awareness and regular screening in preventing breast cancer and promoting early detection.