They said massive awareness will have to be created among the sex workers, drug addicts and young people to control the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The roundtable was organised by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the Ittefaq in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said a low level awareness about HIV/AIDS still prevails among the general people including high-risk groups.

"Although the prevalence of this disease is comparatively lower here than other neighbouring countries, there is nothing to be complacent with this situation. We have to take more protective measures," he added.

Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Morten Giersing said 23 million people have so far died of HIV/AIDS and this number might rise to 45 million across the world by 2010.

"Bangladesh is located in HIV/AIDS prone area as it is surrounded by India where four to five million people are HIV/ AIDS positive," he added.

Morten said HIV/ AIDS is spreading alarmingly as young boys and girls are most vulnerable to this infection.

Referring to drug addicts, Dr Tasnim Azim of ICDDR,B said more attention must be given to them as they are sexually active and they have marital life.

Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National AIDS Council Dr Motiur Rahman emphasised the need for safe blood transfusion which is one of the major causes of AIDS.

"We have to be open in discussing HIV/ AIDS-related issues keeping aside all social stigmas," he added.

Moderated by the Executive Editor of the Ittefaq Hasan Shahriar, the roundtable was participated by Dr Mizanur Rahman, director general of the health services, and Ferdous Ara, joint secretary of women and children affairs ministry.

Naseem-ur- Rahman of Unicef gave the vote of thanks.