Bangladesh
Hefazat leader detained in Faridpur
A Hefazat leader in Faridpur was arrested in connection with the attack at Faridpur's Bhanga police station.
On Friday morning Bhanga police arrested maulana Mohammad Abul Hossain, vice-president of Hefazat-e-Islam Faridpur district branch from his home at west Alipore, with the help of Faridpur police.
Abul Hossain was a Mohaddess of Charkamalapur Madrasa in Faridpur.
Also Read: 2 more top Hefazat leaders held
On March 27, a procession from a nearby madrasa attacked the Bhanga police station, causing extensive damage.
Several people, including the police on duty were injured in the attack.
Bhanga Police Station sub-inspector Mohammad Shahidullah filed a case accusing 300 unidentified persons.
Also Read: Hefazat leader Qurban Ali Kasemi arrested in Dhaka
The investigating officer of the case, Sub-Inspector of Bhanga Police Station Bikash Mandal said Abul Hossain was arrested from Faridpur city as an accused in the case.
A 7-day remand will be asked for Abul Hossain at the court, he added.
So far 19 people have been arrested in the case.
Also read: Hefazat leader Mamunul Haq finally arrested
18 arrestees have been sent to jail after they were taken into remand for various periods.
Covid-19: Bangladesh records 88 deaths, 3629 new cases
Bangladesh recorded 88 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours until Friday morning as the country grapples to tackle the second wave of the virus.
The health authorities also reported 3,629 new cases, said the Directorate General of Health Services in a handout.
The coronavirus death toll now stands at 10,869 with the mortality rate slightly rising to 1.47 percent after staying at 1.46 for the last two days.
Meanwhile, the daily infection rate fell to 14 percent from Thursday’s 14.63 percent.
Between April 16 and 19, the country recorded over 100 deaths breaking previous daily records. Bangladesh saw 91, 95 and 98 Covid-related deaths on April 20, 21 and 22 respectively.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 98 more deaths, 4014 new infections
Health authorities have so far confirmed 739,703 cases. Among them, 647,674 people - 87.56 percent of all patients – have recovered.
Around 6,000 Americans contracted Covid after being fully vaccinated, 74 died: CDC
US health officials have confirmed fewer than 6,000 cases of Covid-19 in fully vaccinated Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Seventy-four of them died.
The cases represent just 0.007% of the 84 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated, reports CNBC. Despite the 'breakthrough' infections, Dr Walensky this week said the vaccines are working as intended.
Read Half of US adults have received at least one COVID-19 shot
"With any vaccine, we expect such rare cases, but so far out of more than 84 million people who were fully vaccinated, we have only received reports of less than 6,000 breakthrough cases," Walensky told reporters at a press briefing on Monday. Breakthrough cases are defined as someone contracting the virus more than 14 days after their second shot of the vaccine, i.e. when they can be said to be fully vaccinated.
"Although this number is from 43 states and territories and likely an underestimate, it still makes a really important point, these vaccines are working. Of the nearly 6,000 cases, approximately 30% had no symptoms at all," Walensky said. "This is really encouraging news. It demonstrates what we’ve already discussed about these vaccines. They also help prevent you from getting seriously ill."
Also read: Oregon: CDC investigating woman’s death after J&J vaccine
Out of the 6,000 or so breakthrough infections, 396 people were hospitalized and 74 people died, according to CDC data released last week.
The breakthrough infections have been reported in people of all ages. Around 45% of the infections were in patients over 60 years old.
Some 65% of these breakthrough infections have been reported in females.
Also read: Global Covid-19 cases cross 144 million
Half of all American adults have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Of those aged 65 and older, 81% have received one dose or more and about two-thirds are fully vaccinated.
CDC's breakthrough case investigations
According to the CDC, there will be "a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated who still get sick, are hospitalized, or die from COVID-19." Variants will cause some of these breakthroughs.
Also read: Fully vaccinated people can travel safely again, CDC says
It adds that "[t]o date, no unexpected patterns have been identified in the case demographics or vaccine characteristics among people with reported vaccine breakthrough infections." The CDC website reiterates that the Covid-19 vaccines are effective, and recommends that all eligible people get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available to them.
Bagerhat teens held for 'raping' seven-year-old
Police Friday arrested two teenagers for "raping" a seven-year-old girl in Bagerhat's Chitalmari.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chitalmari Police Station Mir Shariful Haque said, "On Thursday, the duo approached the girl and lured her on the pretext of playing a game. The teenagers took the seven-year-old to a nearby sugarcane field where they 'sexually assaulted' her."
Later, the victim's father rushed to the spot hearing her scream and caught the teenagers in the act. Next, he filed a case against them at night, the OC said.
Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman
The girl was taken to Bagerhat Sadar Hospital for a medical examination, he added.
Bangladesh's rape epidemic
Bangladesh is facing a "rape epidemic" despite recent government approval of the death penalty for the crime – not that evidence ever suggested it would have the desired effect.
Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years.
Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below.
Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, the data showed.
However, ASK's data was likely just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape.
Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali
In October 2020, the country was rocked by protests after a woman was attacked and raped in Noakhali.
In November last year, Bangladesh introduced the death penalty for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across Bangladesh.
But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, as victims of sexual assault are often stigmatised in society.
11 burnt in Narayanganj gas leak explosion
At least 11 people, including a three-month-old, have sustained burn injuries following a gas leak explosion at a building in Narayanganj's Fatullah.
The explosion occurred in a flat on the third floor of the three-storey building in the Paschim Talla area in the early hours of the day as gas leaked from the stove.
On information, three units of fire service rushed to the scene, doused the flames and sent the injured to the hospital after rescuing them.
Abdullah Al Arefin, deputy director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, said: "Some apparel workers live with their families on the third floor of the building. One of the families forgot to turn off the stove at night, and it caused the rooms to be filled with gas as all windows and doors were closed.
Also read: Narayanganj fire victim dies at DMCH
"The explosion happened as someone tried to light a stove in the morning," he added.
The injured were identified as Habibur Rahman (50), Limon (20), Shathi (20), Mim (20), Mahira (three-month-old), Aleya (50), Sonahar (40), Shanti (32), Samiul (20), and Monowara (22). Another victim remained unidentified.
Five of the injured including the three-month-old were sent to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for their critical conditions; others were admitted to a local hospital.
Global Covid-19 cases cross 144 million
The global Covid-19 caseload has crossed the grim milestone of 144 million as the world is grappling to contain the second outbreak of Covid-19 even with mass inoculations underway.
Deaths from the virus have also topped three million, according to Johns Hopkins University.
To be specific, the total caseload reached 144,757,145 while the fatalities climbed to 3,072,309 on Friday morning.
Also read: How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?
The US is the world's worst-hit country -- the North American nation has registered 31,929,599 cases and 570,345 deaths as of Friday morning.
In Brazil, the Covid-19 death toll mounted to 383,502 and infections topped 14,167,973, as per the latest data.
A new wave of infections has been confronting the South American country, leading to a rise in hospitalisations, deaths and the collapse of a large part of the Brazilian public healthcare system.
Neighbouring country India recorded the world's second highest number of Covid-19 cases, at 16,263,695 to date. The country has so far witnessed 186,095 deaths, listing it among the worst-affected countries in the world.
Also read: Covid situation in Bangladesh unlikely to improve before June: Experts
Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh recorded 98 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours till Thursday as the deadly second wave of the virus overwhelms hospitals and pushes the health sector to its limits.
The virus also infected 4,014 others during the period, the Directorate General of Health Services said in a handout.
Coronavirus deaths now stand at 10,781 with a mortality rate of 1.46 percent, according to DGHS. The daily infection rate fell to 14.63 percent from Wednesday’s 15.07 percent.
On Monday, the country broke all the previous records of Covid-19 deaths registering 112 fatalities. It saw over 100 deaths on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.
Health authorities have so far confirmed 736,074 cases. Among them, 642,449 people - 87.28 percent of all patients – have recovered.
Also read: India records world's highest single-day spike in Covid cases
10 more Hefazat men held over Brahmanbaria violence
Ten more people have been arrested in the past 24 hours in connection with last month's mayhem by Hefazat-e-Islam supporters in Brahmanbaria, police said Friday.
The arrests were made from different parts of the district after identifying the accused from video footage and images taken during the violence, the special branch of the district police said.
So far, 55 cases have been filed and 414 people arrested over the rampage, the police said.
Also read: 7 more Hefazat men held over B’baria mayhem
On March 27, at least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 cops, injured in clashes between members of law enforcement agencies and locals during Hefazat’s demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila.They had staged the protests against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
The next day, during Hefazat’s countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal protesting police action on their anti-Modi processions in Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts, activists set fire to three buildings, including the land office in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
They had also attacked a Chattogram-bound train at Talshohor Rail Station in Brahmanbaria town.
Also read: Another top Hefazat leader arrested
Besides, the Hefazat supporters also vandalised several private and government establishments, including Zila Parishad building, municipality building, Police Lines, Industrial School, land office, Alauddin Music Academy, and Foirtala Bus Stand in Sadar upazila.
The supporters had also attacked Brahmanbaria Press Club and confined some journalists to the premises.
Also read: 11 more Hefazat men held over B’baria violence
Lockdown: Shops, shopping malls to reopen from Apr 25
Shops and shopping malls will be allowed to remain open from 10 am to 5 pm from April 25 amid the lockdown enforced by the government to contain the Coronavirus transmission.
The Cabinet Division issued a notice in this regard on Friday.
The shops and malls are permitted to reopen from April 25 subject to maintaining proper safety protocols, says the notice signed by Deputy Secretary Md Rezaul Islam.
The second phase of lockdown started on April 22 is supposed to continue until April 28.
Earlier on April 5, public transports, shops and shopping malls were directed to remain shut in capital Dhaka as the country started a 7-day lockdown.
Also read: Lockdown: Pvt cars rise on Dhaka roads
Talking to UNB, local and international health experts, however, predicted Bangladesh is unlikely to see any improvement in the Covid-19 situation before June next as the country is still in the grip of its second wave.
Leaders' Summit on Climate: Dhaka optimistic about $100 billion fund
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism over the promised international financial flow of US$100 billion, saying money is not a problem but the political commitment matters.
“I’m very optimistic as always. The most important thing is political commitment,” he said, noting that they have seen that commitment through the “Leaders Summit on Climate” hosted by US President Joe Biden.
Dr Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pushed for the annual target of mobilising $100 billion as committed by developed countries in her speech at the Summit on Thursday.
In a virtual briefing, the Foreign Minister said they have to know how to get the money, and money is not a problem if there is a political commitment.
He termed the Leaders’ Summit on Climate is a “breakthrough” and expressed satisfaction over the commitment of the global leaders.
The Foreign Minister referred to the emissions target set by the US by 2030 and commitment by countries like China, Japan, Germany, Canada and the European countries, and said these are “beautiful statements.”
Also read: Al Jazeera report on Bhasan Char false; part of it has vindictive approach: FM
“It seems there’s political push behind it, commitment is there,” he said, adding that these are very encouraging news for countries like Bangladesh.
Bangladesh stressed that the funding should be distributed at a ratio of 50:50 between mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, adaptation without mitigation is not a good strategy.
“We’ve a breakthrough in this dialogue and debate for the initiative taken by the US,” said the Foreign Minister.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put forward four suggestions to global leaders to fight climate change challenges with a strong collective response.
Her suggestions include announcing an immediate and ambitious action plan by developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions to keep the global temperature at 1.5 degrees Celsius with focus on mitigation measures; and ensuring the annual target of 100 billion US dollars which should be balanced 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation with a special attention to the vulnerable countries while pursuing losses and damages.
The other two suggestions are: Major economies, international financial institutions and private sectors should come forward with plans for concessional climate financing as well as innovation; and focusing on green economy and carbon neutral technologies with a provision of technology transfer among nations.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, was among others, present at the virtual media briefing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Russian President Vladimir Puti, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the participants at the Summit invited by the US President.
The Leaders’ Summit on Climate underscored the urgency - and the economic benefits - of stronger climate action.
The Summit also highlighted examples of how enhanced climate ambition will create good paying jobs, advance innovative technologies, and help vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts.
It is seen as a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
A key goal of COP26 will be to catalyze efforts that keep that 1.5-degree goal within reach.
The entire world faces “a moment of peril” but also “a moment of opportunity,” Biden declared, speaking from a TV-style chrome-blue set for the virtual summit of 40 world leaders.
The participants appeared one after other onscreen for what appeared to be a mix of live and recorded addresses.
“The signs are unmistakable,” Biden said. “The science is undeniable. The cost of inaction keeps mounting.”
Biden’s new U.S. commitment, timed to the summit, would cut America’s fossil fuel emissions as much as 52% by 2030.
It comes after four years of international withdrawal from the issue under President Donald Trump, who mocked the science of climate change and pulled the US out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord, reports AP.
4 killed, 35 injured in Armanitola building fire
At least four people were killed and 35 others sustained burn injuries after a massive fire broke out at a building in the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka in the early hours of Friday.
Officials said the fire started at the ground floor of the six-storey Hazi Musa Mansion in Armanitola at 3.17 am and soon spread to other portions of the building. And it took 19 fire tenders nearly three hours to douse the flames.
Initially two bodies were recovered by the firefighters but later two more were pulled out from a small room near the stairs of the building, officials said.
One of the deceased has been identified as Suraiya Akhter, 22, a student of Eden Mohila College, while the identities of the three others, including a security guard of the building, are yet to be established.
Among the injured are three fire fighters, who have been admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said Rasel Sikdar, duty officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence control room.
Also read:Kalyanpur slum fire under control