Bangladesh
Lockdown: 8 special parcel trains to operate from Wednesday
Bangladesh Railway will operate eight special parcel trains on different routes to transport agricultural goods and other products during the countrywide lockdown to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus.
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon in a press briefing said the parcel trains will operate alongside the other freight trains amid the lockdown to keep people’s life uninterrupted.
Also read: Dhaka-Chattogram freight train service suspended
Bangladesh is set to undergo a “strict lockdown” from April 14.
The Ministry has taken the decision for continuing the transportation of agricultural goods, he said adding that currently, Bangladesh Railway is transporting oil, fertilizers, and other goods.
Train on Dhaka-Sylhet route will start from Dhaka at 3:30 pm and the return train will leave Sylhet at 6:45 am the next day, on Chattogram-Sarishabari route train will leave Chattogram at 3 pm and the return train will leave Sarishabari at 5:30 am the next day.
On Saturday, Monday and Wednesday the train on Khulna-Chilahati route will start from Khulna at 3:30 pm and the return train will leave Chilahati at 3:30 pm on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Also read: Passenger train services to remain suspended during ..
Another train will be operated on Bir Muktijoddha Shirajul Islam to Dhaka route on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
South Asian Govts must ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines: AI
Governments in South Asia must ensure that vulnerable groups are not excluded from access to COVID-19 vaccines, said Amnesty International.
It called on the international community to enable the production of vaccines at the national-level to address the severe shortfall in supply across the region.
Also Read: 'Don't worry, come forward': Asian nations get 1st shots
“As vaccine campaigns have been rolled out, marginalized groups across South Asia have been effectively locked out by practical barriers. South Asia’s governments must ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for everyone irrespective of caste, socio-economic or other status, race, or nationality,” said Yamini Mishra, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Director.
Mishra said the lack of access to vaccine supply in most countries across the region is a real and pressing concern that needs to be urgently addressed.
"However, this must not provide cover to these countries to unduly limit access to vaccines, for example, by not reaching out to vulnerable groups to tell them how they can get vaccinated. Who you are and where you live should not determine access to the vaccine.”
As vaccination programmes have commenced across South Asia, groups including slum dwellers, Dalits, ethnic minorities, workers including labourers, daily wage earners, sanitation workers, garment workers and tea plantation workers, people in rural areas, prisoners, and internally displaced people have so far been denied access due to a lack of awareness and limited access to technology in most places.
Also Read: COVID-19 : Bangladesh, China, 3 S Asian countries to start vaccination
Meanwhile, others including refugees and migrants have been excluded entirely from government vaccine campaigns in many countries for now.
With vaccines in short supply, most countries in South Asia have not inoculated more than six percent of their population with even a first dose, with efforts so far reaching middle and higher-income groups.
Amnesty International is calling on governments across the world to waive provisions of the global treaty governing rights and patents on properties including medicines.
Barriers to access
Underprivileged communities across South Asia do not have access to smart phones and other mobile devices, which are required in most cases to register online for vaccines and where most public health information is disseminated.
In Pakistan, the registration process excludes certain groups by design – requiring National Identity Numbers that are unavailable to refugees or migrants.
In early April, authorities approved of foreign nationals over the age of 60 and health workers of foreign origin to receive the jab but there is a lack of clarity on the process of registration for them.
With vaccine registration being done via text message or online, prisoners are also being effectively excluded without access to the internet or phones.
Although the provincial government of Sindh has announced that all prisoners over the age of 50 will be vaccinated, it is not clear if other provinces will follow suit.
Due to a lack of access to government plans and information sharing mechanisms on vaccine roll-out, a misperception among rural people that COVID-19 is a concern only for urban and city dwellers persists in countries such as Bangladesh.
Amnesty International is calling on national authorities to put measures in place, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, to raise awareness among rural people about vaccine campaigns and the danger posed by COVID-19.
In Sri Lanka, limited communication around dates, venues and eligibility for vaccines is a barrier for people to access vaccinations.
There is no information available about the plan for COVID-19 vaccines and immunizing the broader population in some countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, vaccination plans that have been developed by countries like Bangladesh for a holistic coverage of the population are not reflected in their implementation such as efforts to inoculate cleaning workers, unskilled wage earners and people in lower income groups, said the AI
Governments must ensure that information around vaccine plans are communicated effectively to communities in languages and formats they understand to ensure equitable access.
Limited vaccine supplies
With vaccine manufacturing countries prioritizing their own populations, countries across South Asia have been scrambling to place orders to meet national demands.
The situation has left hundreds of millions across the region unable to access vaccines for the foreseeable future, including groups such as Bangladesh’s one million Rohingya refugees and Afghanistan’s four million internally displaced.
In Pakistan, limited supplies have led to many health workers reporting difficulties securing their second vaccine jab, leaving them dangerously exposed as the country undergoes its third and most deadly wave.
Amnesty International is calling on governments to fulfil their human rights obligations and actively support a proposal to waive certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement, a global treaty governing intellectual property rights, which often restricts where, when and how medicines are produced.
“International cooperation is key to contain the spread of the virus and make the vaccine universally available as quickly as possible. South Asian countries with the capacity to produce the vaccine at affordable prices must ensure equitable distribution and call on global bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and other vaccine manufacturing states to prioritize resource and technology transfer to produce vaccines locally,” said Yamini Mishra.
Facebook supports COVID-19 health awareness and vaccine rollout in Bangladesh
Facebook has partnered with Bangladesh’s ICT Division and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to announce a campaign to raise awareness about COVID-19 and help Bangladeshis get vaccinated.
The campaign aims to increase people’s uptake of preventive health practices and vaccination intent in the country.
Facebook will take several steps to holistically support vaccine rollout and the nationwide awareness campaign towards safe hygiene practices, particularly given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
Also read:Facebook acknowledges a bug that blocked coronavirus news
By encouraging people to visit COVID-19 Information Center, which is also available in Bangla, the platform will make it easier for people to access credible information and best practices on preventive hygiene measures.
It also contains modules on mental health and vaccine safety, and provides easy access to www.corona.gov.bd for latest government directives, said a media release on Tuesday.
Through News Feed notifications, Facebook will direct people to register for COVID-19 vaccine on www.surokkha.gov.bd and nudge them to continue wearing masks.
On World Health Day, the social media platform launched a public education campaign (www.fightcovidmisinfo.com) to help Bangladeshis learn how to identify and combat false information about COVID-19 and related health measures.
The public education modules are available in Bangla to ensure that it is more relatable and practical to people in the country.
“As Bangladesh is seeing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases like many parts of the world, it’s reassuring to see how health awareness and safe vaccination efforts have been ramped up to reach more people in the country,” said Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, who leads Public Policy for Bangladesh at Facebook.
“By working closely with the national health agencies and public health experts, and using Facebook’s scale and speed to reach people, we are committed to do our part to help Bangladeshis access credible information, adopt safe health practices, get vaccinated and come together as a community.”
Also read:Facebook working on Instagram for kids under 13
In Bangladesh, Facebook has been working closely with the ICT Division and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh throughout the pandemic to increase awareness on COVID-19 preventive health practices.
“Today, it has become crucial for us, as a community, to work hand-in-hand to protect ourselves as increasing adoption of digital lifestyle by all walks of society exposes us to new risks of unprecedented proportions ranging from identity theft to wrong decision because of disinformation. I would like to thank Facebook for taking this broad measure and we are delighted to be part of this campaign to promote vaccination, mask wearing and social distancing to a much greater population,” said Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor of a2i (Aspire to Innovate) Programme, ICT Division and Cabinet Division, Government of Bangladesh and UNDP Bangladesh.
He added, “At a2i, we are constantly coming up with new innovations and measures to ease the lives of our citizens during these difficult times. We look forward to working with Facebook in finding newer ways to help the citizens of our country.”
Globally, Facebook has connected over 2 billion people to resources from health authorities through the COVID-19 Information Center and removed more than 12 million pieces of harmful misinformation about COVID-19 and approved vaccines from its family of apps.
Follow lockdown restrictions: IGP to people
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Tuesday urged people to strictly follow the lockdown restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus.
“We don’t want to see anyone on the roads and outside home except for emergency needs from April 14. Please follow the government rules spontaneously and we won’t be rude with anyone,” said the IGP while talking to reporters after inaugurating police movement pass apps in the city.
“We’ve to control the second wave of Covid-19 as we did last year, and for this we’ve to refrain from unnecessary movement. Last year, several thousand people had left Dhaka and now many people are leaving it for the last two days, which is unwise,” he said.
Benazir also urged people living in villages to stay home for the next seven days and follow the government’s directives to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Also read: Motivate people to follow govt's covid guidelines: IGP to police
Those who want to go outside should take the movement pass and return home as soon as possible, the IGP added.
He also emphasised the need for face-covering, social distancing, handwashing and raising public awareness to contain the virus spread.
“Already, 5,000 applications for movement pass have been submitted in just one hour and if anyone wants to go outside Dhaka, he or she will require to have the pass,” the police chief added.
There is no scope to allow more than one pass for one person.
Those eligible for movement pass
According to the Police Headquarters, the movement pass will be required to go out during lockdown in the case of emergency or official work such as getting Covid-19 vaccine jab, shopping from grocery shops, kitchen markets and medicine shops; having medical services, joining agricultural works, goods transportation, supply, relief materials supply, burial or cremation activities and other things under other categories.
Also read: Police to issue movement pass during lockdown
People can apply for a pass through movementpass.police.gov.bd from Wednesday (April 14) night. Conditional permission will be granted for a specified period of time.
How to apply for movement pass
One needs to visit this link, movementpass.police.gov.bd, and put his or her mobile phone number to have a one-time password in the mobile phone to go through the process to get the movement pass.
Necessary information
People should enter their names, gender, age, reasons for movement, scheduled date and time for movement, NID card, information about vehicles and image.
However, all are not allowed to have the movement pass. Only those who have emergency reasons for movement can apply for it.
The government is going to enforce a nationwide strict lockdown on Wednesday to curb the Coronavirus transmission. As the coronavirus situation is getting worse day by day.
On Monday, Bangladesh saw the highest number of daily deaths of 83 from Covid-19.
States urged to take decisive, impactful, measures against Myanmar military
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday urged States to take immediate, decisive and impactful measures to push Myanmar’s military leadership into halting its campaign of repression and slaughter of its people.
The High Commissioner called on the Myanmar military and neighbouring States to facilitate humanitarian access to populations in need.
Also read: Myanmar cuts wireless internet service amid coup protests
She urged neighbouring States to give temporary protection to people fleeing the violence, and to refrain from returning people fleeing Myanmar at this time, in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement.
“We have witnessed yet another weekend of coordinated bloodshed in many parts of the country, including the reported mass killing of at least 82 people in Bago between Friday and Saturday. The military seems intent on intensifying its pitiless policy of violence against the people of Myanmar, using military-grade and indiscriminate weaponry,” Bachelet said in a statement issued from Geneva.
There are clear echoes of Syria in 2011, she said adding that there too, they saw peaceful protests met with unnecessary and clearly disproportionate force.
The State’s brutal, persistent repression of its own people led to some individuals taking up arms, followed by a downward and rapidly expanding spiral of violence all across the country.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at the time warned in 2011 that the failure of the international community to respond with united resolve could be disastrous for Syria and beyond.
The past ten years have shown just how horrific the consequences have been for millions of civilians.
Also read:Myanmar writes to Bangladesh explaining military takeover: FM
“I fear the situation in Myanmar is heading towards a full-blown conflict. States must not allow the deadly mistakes of the past in Syria and elsewhere to be repeated.”
Over the weekend, credible reports indicate that Tatmadaw forces opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades, fragmentation grenades and mortar fire in Bago in the south of the country.
Security forces also reportedly prevented medical personnel from helping the wounded, as well as charging relatives a “fine” of roughly USD 90 to claim the bodies of those who were killed. Some individuals are also now resorting to the use of makeshift or primitive weapons in self-defence.
Clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups have also intensified in several locations in Kachin, Shan and Kayin states, where the military have been employing airstrikes that have killed and displaced civilians.
As arrests continue, with at least 3,080 people currently detained, there are reports that 23 people have been sentenced to death following secret trials – including four protesters and 19 others who were accused of political and criminal offences.
The mass arrests have forced hundreds of people to go into hiding, and reports suggest that many journalists, civil society activists, celebrities and other public figures are being sought, many simply because of the dissent they have been expressing on-line.
Wireless broadband and mobile data services were cut indefinitely on 2 April, leaving the vast majority of people without access to vital sources of information and communication.
Meanwhile, the country’s economy, education and health infrastructure have been brought to the brink of collapse, leaving millions of Myanmar people without livelihood, basic services and, increasingly, food security.
Thousands of internal migrants have left urban centres for their home communities – which once relied on their income. COVID-19 measures have effectively been brought to a standstill.
Also read:Myanmar military 'reaches out' to Rohingyas in Rakhine
“Statements of condemnation, and limited targeted sanctions, are clearly not enough. States with influence need to urgently apply concerted pressure on the military in Myanmar to halt the commission of grave human rights violations and possible crimes against humanity against the people,” Bachelet said.
The High Commissioner made particular reference to the report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which contains clear recommendations for impactful action in relation to the military.
Bachelet stressed the need to cut off the supply of arms and finances to the military leadership that aid its commission of serious human rights violations.
US Congressman Evans, Congresswoman Scanlon greets PM, people of Bangladesh
Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat-Pennsylvania 2nd District) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat-Pennsylvania 5th District) have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh.
They were speaking at the community reception in Philadelphia on Monday organised by Bangladeshi American community to welcome Bangladesh Ambassador M. Shahidul Islam.
Also read:10-day celebration: Dhaka ready to welcome global leaders
Congressman Evans recalled his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazaar in 2019 and appreciated Bangladesh for hosting over million Rohingyas who fled genocide in Myanmar.
Terming herself as a “friend of Bangladesh”, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon expressed her interest in strengthening Bangladesh-US cooperation on wide-ranging issues.
Ambassador Shahidul Islam appreciated the Bangladeshi American community in Philadelphia for their leadership role in the mainstream American society.
He stressed the importance of making friends in the US society and requested Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Mary Gay to help revitalize the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus to carry forward Bangladesh-US relations.
Also read:Mahinda Rajapaksa gets warm welcome as he arrives in Dhaka
Bangladeshi American scientist-turned politician Dr. Nina Ahmad, President of the Philadelphia National Organization for Women Education Fund, also a former Adviser to President Barack Obama presided over the community meeting. Leading community personalities including Dr. Zia Ahmed, Dr. Ibrul Chowdhury, Ahsan Naratullah, Sheikh Islam, Tozammel Haque and Omi Islam spoke on the occasion.
National award-winning music director Farid Ahmed dies
Renowned music director Farid Ahmed passed away at a hospital in the capital on Tuesday.
The music director was put on life-support at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Square Hospital on April 11. He tested positive for COVID-19 last month along with his wife Shiuly Akhter.
He was taken to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU) on March 25. Alongside coronavirus, he was battling kidney and diabetes-related complications.
According to his daughter Durdana Farid, the namaz-e-janaza of Farid Ahmed will be held at Kalabagan Second Lane’s Law College field after Asr prayers.
He will be laid to eternal rest at the Martyred Intellectual Graveyard, Rayer Bazaar in the capital.
Farid Ahmed won the National Film Award in 2017 as the music director in the film 'Tumi Robe Nirobe'. In his esteemed career, he is known for creating many remarkable theme songs for popular television shows including the immensely popular title song "Keu Keu Obiraam Chupi Chupi" for Ityadi, as well as the title tracks of Hridoye Mati O Manush and Channel-i Shera Kontho, to name a few.
He is also credited for directing more than 300 background scores for television serials and over 3 thousand background scores for package dramas.
As one of the talented and renowned face in the industry, Ahmed is also noted for his collaboration with major artistes in many popular tracks including "Tumi Chara Ami Jeno Morubhumi" with Kumar Bishwajit, "Ferari Siren" with Runa Laila and "Dalchhut Projaputi" with Sabina Yasmin and Runa Laila, among others.
He was the general secretary of Resh Foundation, a music group that has been dedicatedly working for the wellbeing of music artistes in Bangladesh.
‘Thief’ lynched in Faridpur
A suspected thief was killed in a lynch mob-attack at Pashra village in Sadar upazila early Tuesday.
The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.
Also read:2 'robbers' killed in Habiganj lynch-mob attack
Locals said a gang in the area used to loot valuables from people’s houses after making them unconscious by providing toxic elements in food.
Dilip Biswas, a resident in the area, said around 1:30 am a sound of knocking the door was heard and the inmates of the house raised a hue and cry suspecting something unusual .
Later, local people managed to catch one person aged about 30 and gave him a good thrashing, leaving him injured.
Also read:Lalmonirhat mob killing: DIG, DC pay spot visit
On information, police rushed to the spot and took him to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead, said Sumon Ranjan Sarkar, assistant superintendent of Faridpur Police.
Housewife ‘tortured by husband’ lands in Magura hospital
Brutally tortured ‘by husband’ for dowry, a housewife is groaning with severe pain with her broken hands and legs at Magura Sadar Hospital.
The incident took place on Friday at Sadar upazila’s Amuria village.
Smriti Begum, 35, fell unconscious when her husband Amir Hossain beat her up with an iron rod. Then Amir took her to Sadar Hospital and fled away, said the victim’s family.
Smriti’s day labourer father Sheikh Moshiar Rahman said Smirti was married to Amir 17 years ago. Since then Amir received dowry money and goods from Smriti’s father on many occasions. Five years ago he gave Amir money to go to Oman.
Victim Smriti Begum said her husband used to beat her up for dowry. After returning from Oman four months ago, Amir broke one of her hands for dowry money.
On the day of the incident, Amir and his mother took all Smriti’s jewelleries, she said.
Hospital authorities gave treatment to Smriti and later informed her family.
The incident came to light when Magura District Women’s Council and One Stop Crisis Cell officials visited her at the hospital.
Magura police Superintendent Md Jahirul Islam said legal actions will be taken as soon as the victim or her family files a complaint.
5-km long tailback on Dhaka-Chattogram highway
A 5-kilometre long tailback has been created on Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Burichong upazila in Cumilla district ahead of a fresh lockdown to be imposed from Wednesday.
Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Mainamati Highway Police Station, said the tailback has been created since Tuesday morning stretching from Kachua point to Chandina point in the upazila following heavy pressure of vehicles including goods-laden vehicles and private vehicles carrying home-bound people.
Also read:Pre-Eid home rush: Long tailback on Dhaka-Aricha highway
However, the vehicles are passing on slowly and the highway police are working to ease the traffic jam.
The pressure of vehicles on highway was seen for the last couple of days as the government will impose a stricter lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19.
On Monday, the country saw the highest number of daily deaths from Covid-19.
Public apathy towards health rules resulted in a mass upsurge of coronavirus cases in recent days. Health experts have been urging people to properly follow the health guidelines.
Also read: Police checking triggers tailback on Dhaka-Aricha highway