Dhaka, June 15, 2025: After a year and a half, three people have died of COVID-19, raising concerns among the people of Bangladesh. However, experts say that there is no need to panic even if the number of infections increases. Everyone just needs to be a little more aware.
On June 5, 2025, an elderly man died of coronavirus in a private hospital in the capital, on June 13, one in the capital Dhaka and one in Chittagong. After the deaths of these three, the Directorate General of Health Services has been shaken. 11 instructions have been issued.
Public health experts say there is nothing to worry about the two new sub-variants of Corona. We must be careful. There is a risk of it spreading rapidly if hygiene rules are not followed. In this case, it is important for those who are elderly, physically weak, or already suffering from complex diseases to follow hygiene rules. Because this variant can be fatal for them.
According to the International Center for Diarrhea Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB), one of the reasons for the increase in infections this year is the two new sub-variants of Corona, XFG and XFC. Which are a sub-branch of Omicron Gen. 1. The XFG variant has been identified in almost all the samples received recently. This variant has a higher infectious capacity.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Abu Zafar told BSS, "So far, the rate of corona infection by the two sub-variants is nothing to worry about. There have been no Covid patients for a long time. As a result, there has been no preparation in our hospitals. Now that a small number of infected patients are being found, we have prepared Dhaka North City Corporation and Kurmitola Hospital. For now, 50 beds have been arranged. What can we do by preparing more beds? There is not much patient pressure in the hospital."
The Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services said that new tests have been started due to the increase in corona infections. Initially, not all patients need to be tested for corona. Only those who have fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms and those who are in critical condition will be tested for corona.
Stating that the vaccination program is ongoing, Abu Jafar said, "Those who have never been vaccinated must get vaccinated. Especially those above the age of 18, those who work with different people, and pregnant women must get vaccinated. And among the elderly, it is important to get vaccinated for those over the age of 60."
He said, "The infection rate in Bangladesh is low compared to other neighboring countries. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 has increased in neighboring countries, the Ministry of Health is working to increase public awareness as a government responsibility. There is nothing to fear."
Public health expert and ICDDRB advisor Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed told BSS, not only Bangladesh, but also Thailand, China and India have identified some new variants of Corona. Which can infect quickly. However, the variants that have emerged now are not as deadly as before. Like common fever, cold or seasonal influenza virus. Patients do not have to be admitted to the hospital. So people carrying the virus are no longer getting tested. But this may increase further if we do not pay attention to following hygiene rules from now on.
Director of the Infectious Disease Control Branch of the Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Halimur Rashid, told BSS that initially, corona testing has been started in hospitals of divisional cities including Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Mymensingh. This facility will be available only in hospitals that have RT-PCR labs in the beginning.
He said that testing kits are being procured from local companies. In addition, the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) has been instructed to import kits from abroad. Only those who have symptoms will get the opportunity to test. If the infection rate increases further, the scope of testing will also be increased.
Urging the public to wear masks, wash their hands, and stay home if they have symptoms, Professor Dr. Halimur Rashid said, "We don't want the situation to get out of hand again. So everyone has to be careful."
Stating that separate Covid beds have been prepared in hospitals, the director of the department's hospital branch, Dr. Md. Moinul Ahsan said that the highest level of preparation has been taken in all hospitals in the country. 50 general beds and 15 ICU beds have been allocated only for corona patients in the North City Corporation (DNCC) Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital in the capital's Mohakhali. In addition, separate beds have been arranged in Mugda and Kurmitola hospitals in the capital. In addition, separate arrangements are being made for corona patients in Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Preparations will be further strengthened in view of the situation.
He said that due to the increase in new types of coronavirus infections in neighboring India, screening or health checks have been strengthened at all airports, as well as at land and sea ports on Bangladesh's border with the country.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a press release warning against travel to countries where coronavirus infections have increased, including India. It has been advised not to travel to those countries unless necessary.
In addition, the Directorate General of Health Services has issued 11 guidelines for the public to follow to prevent infection. In addition, if necessary, people have been asked to contact the nearest hospital or the IEDCR (01401-196293) or the Health Portal (16263).
Meanwhile, the number of calls related to Corona on the Health Portal's 16263 number has suddenly increased. Any health-related advice can be obtained by calling this number. Chief Executive Officer of the Health Portal, Dr. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, said, "We have been receiving more calls related to this since the death of Corona. Which was not the case before. The Department of Health is also talking about the increase in Corona. Especially with the increase in infections in India, many people are seen seeking advice related to this."
AFM Shahabuddin Khan, Program Manager of the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI), said, "We now have 3.2 million Pfizer-made corona vaccines. Of this, 1.716 million doses of Pfizer vaccines have been sent to all districts in the last two months, the validity of which will expire on August 6. Apart from this, there are another 1.5 million vaccines."
The first corona patient was identified in Bangladesh on March 8, 2020, and the first death occurred on March 18. Since then, a total of 20,51,807 people have been infected in the country until June 14, 2025, with 29,502 deaths. Three people have died of corona as of June 14 this year. While no one died in 2024, 37 people died in 2023 and 1,368 people died in 2022.
0 Comments