World COVID-19 back again in Bangladesh

Covid-19 cases on the rise as new variant spreads
Partha Shankar SahaDhaka
Published: 07 Jun 2025, 18: 07



Many people say things like, “Where is Covid now? It’s long gone.” And they’re not entirely wrong. The global pandemic has largely been contained in most parts of the world. However, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) still provides daily updates on the Covid-19 situation. According to DGHS data, the country often reports zero cases for many days, and occasionally, one or more infections are recorded.

Covid-19 cases have been on the rise again in the country since May this year, and a highly transmissible new variant of novel coronavirus has also detected. Neighbouring India already reported many cases of the new variants, and experts fear its impact could reach Bangladesh as well. They, however, assured people that although Covid-19 is rising, the situation is not yet alarming.

According to DGHS data, the country saw 23 Covid-19 cases in April and 86 more in May. One person died from Covid-19 on Thursday, 5 June.

Data from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) shows that three people were infected with Covid-19 during the last week of April, and the tally increased to 25 by the last week of May,

Mostafizur Rahman, head of Virology Laboratory at icddr,b, told Prothom Alo, “We are seeing a rising number of Covid-19 patients. Apparently, all of the infected individuals have contracted a new variant named XFG. Besides, another variant called XFC has also been detected. Both are subvariants of the powerful Omicron JN.1 variant.”

“Almost all patients are infected with the XFG variant among the samples we’ve received. If we do not adhere to health guidelines, this variant could spread further. Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions could face serious risks.”

Meanwhile, a new Covid-19 variant –NB.1.8.1– spread in India. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) bulletin published on 23 May, this variant is spreading rapidly and has a high transmission rate. As of 18 May, genome sequencing has identified this variant in 518 patients across 22 countries. The WHO reports that although the overall number of cases is still low, it has increased by more than 2 per cent compared to the previous week.

Vaccination advised again
At present, people show little interest in getting Covid-19 vaccines in Bangladesh. According to the DGHS, only 43 people, mostly travellers going abroad, received the vaccine from 1 January to 8 March this year.

Dr Mushtuq Hussain believes that elderly people and those with complex disease should get vaccinated. In addition to vaccination, people must follow health guidelines, including handwashing and wearing masks. These habits must be reinstated, he insisted.

AFM Shahabuddin Khan, programme manager of Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), said that the government has an adequate stock of Covid-19 vaccines. “Even though vaccines are available, people show less interest in getting vaccinated.”

The government is also considering restarting vaccination efforts because of the deteriorating Covid-19 situation. At a meeting of the EPI on 22 April, it was recommended that vulnerable populations be encouraged to get vaccinated.​

India reports 6 new Covid death, 6133 cases in 24hrs

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 08, 2025 22:40
Updated :
Jun 08, 2025 22:40



India has recorded over 6,000 active COVID-19 cases, with six virus-related deaths reported in the past 24 hours, reports the Times of India.

On Sunday, the Union Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 769 new infections, making the number of active cases across the country stand at 6,133.

In comparison, on May 22, there were 257 active COVID-19 cases across India, reports bdnews24.com.

According to the Times of India, Kerala continues to report the highest number of cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.

The country has recorded 65 Covid-related deaths in 2025.

Health officials have said that the majority of infections are mild and are being managed through home-based care.

Times of India said incidences of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) are being closely monitored, with all hospitalised SARI patients being tested for COVID.

To review the situation, a series of technical meetings were held in June by the director general of health services.​

Screening tightened at Benapole border to prevent spread of new Covid variant
UNB Benapole
Published: 08 Jun 2025, 17: 35


Authorities have intensified the screening of people returning from India through Benapole land port in a bid to prevent the spread of a new variant of Covid-19. UNB

Authorities have intensified the screening of people returning from India through Benapole land port in a bid to prevent the spread of a new variant of Covid-19.

Recently, the new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in several Indian states, prompting the government to take precautionary measures.

During a visit to the Benapole Checkpost Immigration, the correspondent observed that officials assigned to the medical desk were rigorously screening incoming travellers.

Hari Das, a passenger returning from India, said, “I went to India for treatment 10 days ago. I returned home today. Like in Bangladesh, there was no testing or examination for Covid-19 anywhere in India.”

Another traveller, Monika Rani, said, “I returned home today after a month of treatment. I have not heard of any new spread of Covid-19 in India. After coming back to the country, I see that they are conducting Covid-19 tests.”

Abdul Majid, a sub-assistant medical officer at the Immigration Health Department at Benapole Checkpost, said genetic sequencing tests in India have confirmed the spread of a new Covid strain in some regions of the country.

“To ensure this variant does not spread in the country, we are carrying out health checks on all passengers returning from India as a precautionary measure from the health department,” he said.

Any returning passenger shows the symptoms of Covid-19, they will be kept in isolation at the upazila health complex.

To curb potential infections, health safety protocols, including screening, have been reinforced at all land and international entry points across the country.

On June, the Director of Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services issued directives to this effect.

India has witnessed a sudden rise in Covid cases since late May, more than five years after the virus was first declared a global pandemic.

As of Thursday, there are 5,364 active cases in India, according to the country’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.​

Covid-19 screening tightened at Ctg Airport as cases rise in India


Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong. File photo

In light of a renewed surge in Covid-19 infections in neighbouring India and several other countries, the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has intensified health surveillance and screening procedures, following directives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

According to a statement signed by Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, public relations officer at the airport, a set of precautionary measures has been rolled out to prevent potential spread of the virus through international arrivals.

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As part of the initiative, health screening equipment has been installed at the entrance of the immigration zone inside the international arrival hall.

Thermal scanners are being used for non-contact temperature checks for all incoming passengers by the airport's medical team.

The airport authorities made face masks mandatory in sensitive points across the terminal area to reduce transmission risks.

Emergency stockpiles of protective gear, including masks and gloves, have been arranged for frontline health personnel stationed at the airport.

Public health announcements and awareness campaigns are being conducted on safety protocols.

The airport authorities are urging all travellers and staff to strictly adhere to the guidelines, to curb any potential resurgence of the virus within Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's health authorities remain on high alert as global health bodies report increasing Covid-19 infections, driven in some regions by new variants.

Though domestic infection rates currently remain under control, officials stress the importance of early detection and precautionary measures, particularly at international ports of entry.

Shah Amanat International Airport, the second busiest in the country, is a critical gateway for travellers, especially those arriving from the Middle East and South Asia.​

Rizvi questions govt preparedness over new COVID variant spread

UNB
Published :
Jun 09, 2025 21:10
Updated :
Jun 09, 2025 21:12



“People didn’t get the prices fixed by the government. They were forced to sell at half the rate. Why should this happen?” he questioned.

The BNP leader said the government should have created a mechanism to ensure that those offering sacrifices could sell the hides of animals at a fair price. “But we saw no such system. This is a clear failure to protect public interest.”

Rizvi also questioned the logic behind the government’s decision to hold the next parliamentary election in April.

He alleged that the government keeps swinging like a pendulum based on the suggestions of one or two political parties.

“How can it explain choosing April for the election? There are major public exams scheduled around that time — SSC, HSC, madrasa exams — and also seasonal natural problems. So why is the government trying to hold the election amid such adversities? People want to know the real reason behind it,” Rizvi said.​

Ctg airport takes precautionary measures to prevent spread of coronavirus

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 09, 2025 20:57
Updated :
Jun 09, 2025 20:57



With the increasing number of coronavirus infections in various countries including India and other countries, the Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport authority has implemented various initiatives to prevent the spread of the virus.

These initiatives include intensified health surveillance, health desks and screening procedures in accordance with directives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), reports BSS.

Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, a Public Relations engineer at Shah Amanat International Airport said that health screening equipment has been installed at the immigration entrance of the international arrival hall as a precautionary measure to prevent the potential spread of the virus through international arrivals.

The airport's medical team is using thermal scanners to check the temperature of arriving passengers in a non-touch manner.

Face masks have been made mandatory at sensitive points throughout the terminal area to reduce the risk of transmission.

Adequate masks and gloves have been stockpiled for the airport's health workers on an urgent basis.

Additionally, disease prevention instructions are being disseminated to increase public awareness among passengers and prevent virus infection.

The airport authorities are urging all travelers and staff to strictly adhere to the guidelines, to prevent any potential resurgence of the virus in Bangladesh.

Shah Amanat International Airport, the country's second busiest airport, is a critical gateway for travelers, especially those arriving from the Middle East and South Asia.

The new variant of the coronavirus NB.1.8.1 has been spreading in India. According to data provided by the Directorate General of Health Services, 86 people were infected with COVID-19 in the country in April and May of this year with one death reported on June 5.​

Bangladesh reports five more Covid-19 cases

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 09, 2025 20:22
Updated :
Jun 09, 2025 20:22

Bangladesh reported five more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Monday morning.

With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,021,747, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), reports UNB.

The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,500 as no new fatalities were reported during this period.

The daily case test positivity rate was 12.20 percent as 41 samples were tested, said the DGHS.

The recovery and death rates stood at 98.42 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.​

Risk of COVID-19: Advisory issued to avoid traveling to India unless absolutely necessary
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 09 Jun 2025, 18: 15



Thirteen more patients died of coronavirus and 291 people were newly diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours Reuters

Due to the rising spread of a new variant of the coronavirus in neighboring India and several other countries, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory urging people to avoid traveling to those countries unless absolutely necessary. The warning was issued by the Disease Control Branch of the DGHS. It also instructed increased health screening and surveillance at all land ports and airports across the country to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

These directives were issued today, Monday, in a notice signed by Professor Dr. Halimur Rashid, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the DGHS. The notice stated that new subvariants of the coronavirus—particularly Omicron LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB 1.8.1—are spreading in several neighboring countries.

To prevent potential transmission of these variants into Bangladesh through international travelers, surveillance must be strengthened at IHR (International Health Regulations) desks at all land, sea, and airports for both inbound travelers from India and other affected countries, and outbound travelers from Bangladesh to those destinations. Additionally, certain precautionary measures should be taken to address the associated risks.

One death from COVID-19 reported last Thursday in Bangladesh. Although the situation is not yet alarming, COVID-19 cases are rising in the country. Researchers at icddr,b have reported the detection of a new variant of the virus named XFG. Another subvariant, XFC, has also been identified. Both are subvariants of the highly transmissible JN-1 strain of the Omicron variant.

COVID-19 prevention guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS):
* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap at least seven times a day (for at least 23 seconds each time).

* Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth.

* Maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet from infected individuals.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

* Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow, tissue, or cloth when sneezing or coughing.

Entry point guidelines for travelers:

* Strengthen health screening and surveillance at all land, sea, and airports via IHR (2005) health desks.

* Use thermal scanners or digital handheld thermometers to monitor temperatures without physical contact.

* Ensure an adequate stock of masks, gloves, and PPE for healthcare workers.

* Promote public awareness by spreading disease prevention messages.

* Avoid traveling to India and other affected countries unless absolutely necessary.

Instructions for suspected COVID-19 cases:

Stay at home if you're feeling unwell. If symptoms worsen, seek care at the nearest hospital.

Ask the patient to wear a mask to cover their nose and mouth.

If needed, contact the IEDCR hotline at 01401-196293.​

13 more Covid-19 cases reported in country

FE Online Desk
Published :
Jun 10, 2025 19:25
Updated :
Jun 10, 2025 19:25



The country reported 13 more Covid-19 cases out of 101 in last 24 hours till this morning.

With the new numbers, the country’s total Covid-19 caseload rose to 20,51,760, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

It said that two people have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. As a result, the number of recovery has now reached 20,19, 378. However, no one has died from COVID-19 during this period.

The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,500, reports BSS.

The first case of corona virus was detected in the country on March 8, 2020. Ten days later, on March 18 in the same year, the first person died from the virus in the country.​

Experts warn of new Covid wave
DGHS ramps up preparations
Staff Correspondent 11 June, 2025, 00:11



Public health experts have warned that new Covid omicron sub-variants such as XFG and NB 1.8.1 may trigger a fresh wave of infections in the country.

In response to the rising trend of cases in neighbouring India and a growing domestic positivity rate, the Directorate General of Health Services has sounded the alarm and initiated precautionary measures.

Between June 2 and June 10, the country recorded one Covid-linked death and 54 new cases.

In 24 hours until 8:00am on Tuesday, 13 of 101 tested samples were positive, resulting in a 12.87 per cent positivity rate. Five out of 41 examined samples tested positive in the 24 hours ending 8:00am on June 9, showing a positivity rate of 12.20 per cent.

Amid the spread of the new sub-variants, DGHS has placed requisitions for one lakh RT-PCR kits and five lakh rapid antigen test kits, said Halimur Rashid, the line director of the DGHS’s communicable disease control wing.

He told New Age on Tuesday that the Central Medical Stores Depot and development partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the World Health Organization, were requested to supply the testing kits.Wellness retreats

‘We are expecting a few of the kits to arrive next week with the help from development partners,’ Halimur said, adding that delays in public procurement procedures may slow CMSD’s delivery.

Besides, DGHS has directed hospitals including former Covid treatment centres at district and divisional headquarters and medical college hospitals to prepare for handling increased patient loads.

‘No significant progress has been reported yet, but instructions have been issued,’ Halimur said.

As of June 10, Bangladesh’s cumulative caseload stood at 2,051,760, with 29,500 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, according to DGHS.

Public health expert Mushtuq Husain, a former principal scientific officer at the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research, voiced concern over the recent spread of Covid sub-variants which are considered as ‘super spreaders’.

‘Right now, the sub-variants are not as severe as the previous versions. But widespread infection among a large population may have serious consequences,’ he warned.

Mushtuq urged people to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness.

According to DGHS, 1,716,900 doses of Pfizer vaccines have been distributed to all districts. However, the vaccines will expire on August 6.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

DGHS’s Expanded Programme on Immunization programme director Abul Fazal Md Shahabuddin Khan on Tuesday confirmed that an additional stock of about 15 lakh doses of vaccine remained in storage.

The Covid vaccines available in Bangladesh can prevent severe outcomes, said Nizam Uddin Ahmed, the chair of the global vaccine alliance, GAVI, CSO steering committee in Bangladesh.

He warned that the current vaccine stock was insufficient to handle a new Covid outbreak.

He expressed hope that the proposed Tk 1,000 crore allocation for the EPI in the FY25–26 budget would enable fresh procurement.

However, EPI’s Shahabuddin said that new vaccine requests would be made only after finishing the existing supply at grassroots levels.

‘We are urging people to take the available vaccines,’ Shahabuddin said.

According to a letter issued on April 22, the EPI urged persons aged 18 years and above, those who have not been previously vaccinated, health service providers in direct contact with Covid patients and pregnant women to take one dose of Covid vaccine as per their physician’s advice. Moreover, previously vaccinated people aged 60 and above, or those suffering from chronic disease were also requested to take a booster.

In light of the emerging variants, the DGHS on Monday issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to India and other countries experiencing a surge in infections.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

Metro rail and railway authorities have also asked passengers to wear masks, especially during post-Eid travel.​

Rising COVID cases in Asia should serve as a warning for us
Bangladesh health authorities must prepare accordingly


VISUAL: STAR

Amid a rise in infections caused by new sub-variants of the coronavirus in some neighbouring countries, Bangladesh's health ministry has advised citizens to refrain from travelling to India and other affected nations unless absolutely necessary. According to Indian media, the country recently reported over 6,000 Covid cases within a 24-hour period. So far in 2025, India has reported 65 Covid-related deaths. Similarly, in the last week of May, Thailand recorded 65,880 new Covid cases and three fatalities. The number of cases in other Asian countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, has also risen significantly.

In Bangladesh, although no significant surge in hospital admissions has been reported, health authorities have noted a slight uptick in flu-like symptoms and respiratory illnesses in urban areas. Experts have cautioned that low testing rates may be masking the true extent of community transmission, calling for enhanced monitoring.

With the World Health Organization announcing on May 28 that global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing since February—reaching a test positivity rate of 11 percent, a level not seen since July 2024—and with cases rising in neighbouring regions, the time for caution has once again arrived. Although the world has somewhat adjusted to living with the virus, if the previous pandemic years have taught us anything, it is that overcoming Covid becomes easier with better preparedness.

Raising awareness, therefore, is key, but it must be matched by swift and coordinated action from the authorities. The government must ensure an adequate supply of test kits, medical equipment, and vaccines. Reportedly, Covid test kits are currently unavailable in government hospitals. According to sources at the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), there are currently 3.1 million vaccine doses in stock, of which 1.7 million will expire by August. All this suggests that our Covid preparedness is once again at a poor level.

Now that we know so much about the virus, there is really no excuse for failing to prevent another surge in Covid cases and fatalities. The government must ensure that adequate supplies are available at all public hospitals and health facilities. In addition, surveillance and risk communication activities must be strengthened at the International Health Regulations (IHR) desks in all land, sea, and airports for incoming travellers. The use of thermal scanners or digital handheld thermometers with non-contact techniques to measure body temperature must be ensured at all entry points, along with sufficient provision of masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

The DGHS has issued a set of guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting the disease. Meanwhile, Dhaka metro rail authorities and the railway ministry have urged travellers to wear masks and abide by health guidelines. These infection prevention guidelines should continue to be disseminated to raise public awareness and help prevent the spread of the virus.​