Bangladesh
Dhaka is world's most polluted city
The densely populated capital of Bangladesh has once again topped the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
Dhaka's air quality index (AQI) at 6.29 am read 489, considered 'severe'.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', while a reading of 301 to 400 is said to be 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to city residents. And an AQI between 401 and 500 is said to be 'severe'.
Pakistan’s Karachi and India’s Kolkata occupied the second and third spots in the list of cities with the worst air quality, with AQI scores of 173 and 166, respectively.
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
In Bangladesh, the overall AQI is based on five criteria pollutants – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and Ozone (O3).
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Generally, the capital's air starts getting fresh when monsoon rains begin from mid-June.
Also read: Public health issues like air pollution, environment not getting due attention
In 2021, the average daily AQI score was 261 in January, 231 in February and 211 in March, which hit the record high in the last five years.
The average AQI scores were 247, 193 and 170 in January-March 2017 respectively, according to the analysis made by Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Founder and Director of Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Stamford University, Bangladesh.
During these five years, the air quality was relatively better in 2020 as the average AQI scores were 235 in January, 220 in February and 175 in March in the year.
In January 2021, the air quality in Dhaka was hazardous (score 300+) for seven days, very unhealthy (score 200-300) for 23 days and unhealthy (151-200) for one day.
In the last three months, the highest average AQI score was 365 on January 20 and the lowest 144 on March 11, 2021.
Although the hazardous air quality poses serious health risks to residents, little is being done to check air pollution.
People are advised to avoid all outdoor exertion when the air quality is hazardous, said Dr Majumder, also chairman of the Department of Environmental Science of Stamford University.
What experts say
Experts say the exposure to a high level of air pollution weakens people’s respiratory and immune systems, causes various cold-related diseases, making them more susceptible to Covid-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recently cautioned that the cities which have a higher level of air pollution should reinforce their preparedness against the deadly corona pandemic.
Also read: Minister vows tough fight against air pollution in Dhaka
Experts also say the use of masks by all must be ensured by enforcing law and motivating people as it is the most effective way to protect oneself from pollution and Covid-19.
8th anniversary of Rana Plaza tragedy Saturday
Dhaka, Apr 24 (UNB) - The 8th anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse, the worst-ever tragedy in the country’s multi-billion-dollar ready-made garment (RMG) industry, is being observed on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, there will be no outdoor programmes to recall the victims due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Read Why Rana Plaza owner’s bail shouldn’t be stayed, asks HC
Different right bodies, worker organisations and left-leaning political parties, including Rana Plaza Survivors’ Association, usually arrange various programmes every year, remembering the tragedy.
On April 24, 2013, Rana Plaza, an illegally-constructed building in Savar which housed five garment factories, came down crashing, killing 1,138 people and injuring over 2,000 others.
According to the survey conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh, the physical health condition of 14 percent of survivors is getting worse.
Also read: 57pc Rana Plaza survivors remain unemployed: Survey
Among them, 58.5 percent are more or less stable, and 27.5 percent are completely stable. Most of the 14 percent survivors reported that they are still bearing a headache, pain in hand and leg and back pain.
In terms of psychosocial health, 12.5 percent are still in trauma in comparison to 10.5 percent survivors last year. Currently, 62 percent reported that they are more or less stable, and 25.5 percent have recovered fully compared to 21 percent last year.
A total of 4.5 percent more survivors have improved their mental health than last year.
Also read: HC issues rule on why Rana Plaza owner should not get bail
These findings were disclosed in a virtual dialogue titled ‘COVID-19: Challenges for the Rana Plaza Tragedy Survivors’ on April 22 organised by ActionAid Bangladesh in memory of the 8th year of Rana Plaza tragedy.
The survey was conducted among 200 survivors of the Rana Plaza collapse.
No assignments for secondary school students
The Bangladesh government has suspended all assignment activities for students of classes VI to IX across schools in the country in view of the worsening situation of Covid-19.
The order will remain in effect until further notice, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) said in a circular on Friday (May 23, 2021).
After a year of closure due to the pandemic, the government on February 27 announced that all schools and colleges would reopen on March 30.
Read Schools, colleges likely to remain closed until Eid: Dipu
But it had to backtrack on its plan.
On March 25, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni announced that all schools and colleges across the country would remain closed till Eid-ul-Fitr vacation.
UGC directives for online education
On May 7, last year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) published a guideline on conducting courses online, including teaching, arranging exams, making assessments, and also private university admission tests.
Also read: Prepare to reopen: DSHE to educational institutions
Bangladesh's Covid-19 picture
Bangladesh recorded 88 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours till Friday morning, as the country grapples to contain the second wave of the virus.
Health authorities also reported 3,629 new cases, said the Directorate General of Health Services in a handout.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh’s fatalities rise to 7,981
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.
Read UGC wants cluster admission system for private universities
Bangladesh ambassador breaks the ice with Uzbek president; Dhaka's requests noted
Bangladesh wants Uzbekistan to establish the first Embassy of Uzbekistan in Dhaka and resumption of direct passenger flights on Dhaka-Tashkent-Dhaka route to enhance bilateral ties in the fields of tourism, education, sports and culture.
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam on Friday presented his credentials to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and drove home the points of common interest between the two countries.
He sought the assistance of President Mirziyoyev to make the first Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting between the two countries, to be held on May 27, fruitful.
President Mirziyoyev asked his Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, who was present, to open a Consulate of Uzbekistan in Dhaka initially, as well as to make the first FOC meeting between the two countries effective.
He assured, necessary steps would be taken after closer examination of the issue of direct flights with the former Soviet republic, that is rich in resources - it is a major cotton producer - and has a glorious Islamic heritage as the land of Samarkand.
On the same day, Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, the European Union and Russia to Uzbekistan also presented their credentials.
During his conversation with Ambassador Alam, President Mirziyoyev conveyed his personal greetings to President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and sought assistance in expanding bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
Ambassador Alam assured to take appropriate steps in this regard and briefed the Uzbek leader on Bangladesh's success in RMG, textile, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products and leather sectors.
The Bangladesh envoy, like the others, was welcomed into the presidential palace with much pomp and pageantry befitting a friendly nation, including a guard of honour.
Couple held after brother kills brother in Lalmonirhat
A man was arrested along with his wife for killing his brother in Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat on Friday evening.
The arrestees were identified as Solaiman Hossain and Josna Begum.
According to police sources, Solaimon and his younger brother Akkas were in dispute for a long time over ownership of land.
A major argument broke out between the brothers last March 23. The argument escalated to an extent that locals had to intervene in order to bring the situation under control.
However, Solaimon stabbed his brother with a sharp object that very evening.
Akkas was taken immediately to the hospital after the incident where the on duty doctor declared him dead.
A case was filed against Solaimon and his wife with Kaliganj Police Station after the incident.
A special force of Police arrested the two on Friday evening, exactly a month after Akkas was stabbed.
Officer-in-charge of Kaliganj Police Station Md Sazzad Hossain confirmed the news to UNB.
He also said that the arrestees would be produced before a local court on Saturday.
CDA chairman's term extended for 3 more years
Awami League leader M Zahirul Alam Dobhas has been appointed as the chairman of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) for another three years.
A notice is this regard has been issued by the Ministry of Public Administration.
Dobhas has been asked to resign from other organizational or institutional posts before joining as the chairman for the new term.
In his previous term, CDA was not seen carrying out any significant urban development works.
For this a section of the people of Chattogram are critical of the authority’s decision of extending his term.
Brac to launch antigen testing Saturday
Brac will start antigen-based Covid-19 rapid testing for suspected patients from Saturday (April 24, 2021) to provide results in a shorter time amid a new surge in Covid-19 cases across the country.
The service, set to be run under the supervision of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), will be available at 16 testing booths – 15 in Dhaka and one in Chattagram – set up by Brac.
The testing facility will gradually be expanded to Brac's 32 testing booths in Dhaka and four in Chattogram.
Read NGOs urged to design plan of action taking Covid-19 into consideration
Brac is adding rapid antigen testing to its existing facility of collecting samples for Covid-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.
The booths are open from 9am to 12noon from Saturday to Thursday. Each of the booths can collect and analyse 150 samples a day.
For the detection of Covid-19, the RT-PCR test is being widely used in Bangladesh now, which takes at least 24 hours or more to get the results. But, an antigen test will deliver the result within 30 minutes, which will add pace to the government's Covid-19 testing, Brac said.
Read Brac engaging with communities to build Covid-19 resilience
To support the DGHS, the organisation is operating 41 walk-in sample collection booths across the country.
Morsheda Chowdhury, director of Brac Health, Nutrition and Population Program, said: "To tackle the second wave of Covid-19, there is no alternative to maintain health advisories, along with testing suspects and referring them for isolation."
Read Country's largest Covid-19 dedicated hospital opened in Dhaka
Who and how to get the service
Anyone who has been referred by a registered physician, experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, or has been in contact with a confirmed Covid-19 patient, is eligible to undergo the test through Brac operated booths.
Based on symptoms and case history, the organisation's staff will decide whether a person needs an antigen test or RT-PCR test. However, if someone tests negative in an antigen test despite having symptoms, their samples will be tested again through RT-PCR test.
People will have to apply online to get the service at the Brac booths.
Read Bangladesh allows antigen-based Covid-19 tests
3 women held in Narail over assaulting police officers
Three women were arrested in Lohagara of Narail on Friday over assaulting two police officers.
The arrestees were identified as Sohana (29), Selina Begum (42) and Jahanara Begum (55).
The arrests were made following a case filed by ASI Mikail Hossain with Lohagara Police station against 16 named and 25/30 unnamed offenders. The principal accused is Dighlia union Awami League unit president Wahidur Rahmnan Sardar.
Also read: 3 women detained for ‘snatching pistol from police’ in Narail
According to sources, ASI Mir Alamgir was injured with sharp weapons on Thursday morning when he tried to intervene in a clash between two groups of villagers. His pistol was also snatched away from him during the lynching. ASI Mikail was also severely injured when he stepped forward to save his colleague.
ASI Alamgir is currently undergoing treatment at Lohagara Hospital. His pistol was recovered two hours after the incident.
Syed Ashiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Lohagara Police Station, confirmed the news to UNB. He said the other accused in the case would be arrested very soon.
167 juveniles secure bail from virtual courts amid lockdown
A total of 167 incarcerated children have been granted bail by juvenile courts across the country in the last eight working days through virtual hearings amid the countrywide strict lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Barrister Muhammad Saifur Rahman, a spokesman for the Supreme Court and a special officer of the High Court, confirmed the information to media on Friday.
Also read: Virtual court activities to be introduced at district level: PM
He further said that in the last eight working days, the lower courts across the country have granted bail to 15,217 inmates after hearing 26,848 petitions in virtual hearings.
Of these, 3,032 bail applications were disposed of in lower courts on Thursday alone and 1,592 of them were granted bail.
Also read: Virtual court a new chapter in law: Anisul
UNICEF envoy David Beckham leads global vaccination drive during Immunization Week
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the 7 Fund for UNICEF, David Beckham, is fronting a global initiative to inspire confidence in vaccines and encourage parents around the world to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.
In a video released ahead of World Immunization Week, Beckham talks about the loss of everyday activities due to COVID-19, such as hugs with family, spending time with friends, and being with the people we love, and encourages parents to vaccinate themselves so that they can be safe.
He also urges families to ensure that their children are receiving routine vaccinations to protect them against diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio.
“In the last year, COVID-19 has shown us how much we take for granted but it has also reminded us about the power of vaccines,” said Beckham.
“Vaccines work, saving millions of lives every year. I have learned through my work with UNICEF just how important they are for the health of our loved ones. Yet too many children around the world don’t get the routine vaccines they need to be safe from deadly diseases. That’s why this World Immunization Week, I’m so proud to be joining UNICEF and partners to encourage parents to vaccinate themselves and their children.”
Also read: Covid vaccine: UNICEF emphasises speed, simplicity to remove barriers
Alongside Beckham, UNICEF Ambassadors and supporters Orlando Bloom, Sofia Carson, Olivia Colman, Angelique Kidjo, Jeremy Lin, Alyssa Milano, Jessie Ware and others will take part in a series of online conversations about vaccines, including with health care workers, teachers and vaccine experts from around the world.
The frontline workers from Benin, Indonesia, Jordan and Peru will share their knowledge and first-hand experience of the importance of vaccinating children against deadly diseases.
To help spread the word online about the effectiveness of vaccines, starting today, UNICEF will join with global partners and funders to rally parents, health workers and the public to become online advocates for vaccines.
For every like, share or comment on posts mentioning a UNICEF social media account and using the hashtag #VaccinesWork from now until the end of April, the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will donate US$ 1 to UNICEF – up to a total of US$5 million – to ensure all children get the life-saving vaccines they need.
Also read: COVID-19 vaccine distribution: Emirates joins with UNICEF
“After a year of lockdowns, empty classrooms, missed vaccinations, virtual birthday parties, and cancelled family dinners, people all over the world are now getting a COVID-19 vaccine or anxiously awaiting the moment when they will. And it’s an important reminder of the critical role other vaccines play in allowing us to live our everyday lives,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.
“Whereas today we all know COVID-19 vaccines are the best hope we have of resuming our normal lives, what remains ‘normal’ for far too many children all over the world is no access to vaccines for any preventable diseases whatsoever. This is not a ‘normal’ to which we should return.”
Every year, 14 million infants and children globally do not receive any vaccines against preventable diseases, with many living in remote rural locations, conflict zones or slum settings and without access to other essential health services, said UNICEF.
In the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this situation even more dire, as pandemic-related lockdowns and supply disruptions threaten a devastating rise in preventable child deaths.
Also read: China ramps up vaccination drive with free eggs, other goods
World Immunization Week – celebrated every year in the last week of April – aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.
Using the theme ‘Vaccines bring us closer’, World Immunization Week 2021 will urge greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the importance of vaccination in bringing people together, and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere, throughout life.
Online conversations with UNICEF Ambassadors will be shared on Facebook and Instagram and also available to download here throughout World Immunization Week.