pandemic
Covid-19: Bangladesh records 100+ daily deaths for one week
Bangladesh is currently seeing the most alarming spike since confirming its first cases in March last year, as over 100 deaths were reported at a stretch for a week until Saturday.
As of Saturday morning, 134 more people died of the virus in 24 hours till Saturday morning while 6,124 new cases were reported, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The number of daily deaths remained above 100 after logging 119 deaths on June 27, and the country also saw the highest 143 deaths on thursday.
With the new numbers, the country’s death toll now stands at 14,912 while the caseload at 936,256.
The case positivity rate today fell to 27.39% from Friday’s 28% after testing 22,687 samples during the period, said the DGHS handout.
However, the country's fatality rate remained static at 1.59% during the period.
Also read: Bangladesh unlikely to reach Covid herd immunity anytime soon: Expert
So far, 829,199 people have recovered from the disease putting the country’s recovery rate at 88.57 %, which has been on the wane for more than two weeks now.
Thirty-nine of the deaths were reported in Khulna division today, while Dhaka saw 38 deaths.
Effective tips for hunting jobs during pandemic
Our approach to normal life has changed since the arrival of Corona virus pandemic. As we get used to the concept of ‘new normal’, there are a lot of things that we need to unlearn and relearn. And one of the important aspects of naturalizing the new normal is job hunting. The Covid situation has forced companies to adopt new working and hiring policies which weren’t prevalent before. And if you want to secure a job in this changing environment, we suggest you check out our tips to better prepare yourself.
Some valuable tips to get a new job during pandemic
Prepare Efficient Resume
A resume can make or break your opportunity to get a job. It is recommended to prepare a professional resume. However, don’t send the same cover letter and resume for all jobs. Consider the requirements of the specific job you are applying for. And, then tone up your job applications accordingly. You can also take help from experts regarding how to write a good resume.
Read:How to be a Confident English Speaker?
Organize Your Workplace
In this pandemic, many people have lost their job; while many are being underpaid. And, some people are working as freelancers and staying at home.
The latter might seem to be a scope to reconnect with family and enjoy the coziness of home. If you are going through a similar situation, we suggest that don’t get carried away; rather focus on getting yourself organized with a proper workstation. Get into the zone of working effectively and efficiently. Thus, you can get hired for skill-based jobs on different outsourcing platforms.
However, if you are looking for a full time job, don’t let the lazy rut get to you. Follow our next steps to find a new job during pandemic under a reputed company.
Read Top FMCG Companies in Bangladesh: At a Glance
Stay on the Loop
With the Pandemic in effect, the world is changing at a faster pace than ever and so is the job market. You need to stay up to date with all the new changes that are happening around you and how they might impact the industry you are vying for.
However, you don’t need to keep track of everything. Know the basics like the thoughts of the leaders in your industry. Keep an eye on the companies who are hiring recently. Stay aware about what skills are in demand, and get prepared accordingly.
Read The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Freelancing Industry: Can You Sustain?
Maintain Up-to-date Work Profile
By the term work profile, we basically indicate to your LinkedIn profile. In the recent years, LinkedIn is considered as an established standard when it comes to hiring professionals regardless of industry. This is not only a place where you get job leads, rather get industry insight.
LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to showcase your skill set to the potential employers and industry leads. And even during the pandemic, most employers will be looking at the job seeker’s LinkedIn profile before anything else. With that said, now is probably the best time to create and maintain an updated work profile or portfolio on LinkedIn.
Read Want to start freelancing from Bangladesh? These are the best platforms for you
Increase Your Online Presence
As more and more companies and businesses are getting comfortable with the idea of online work scope, now is the time to build on that online presence. This is something that should go complimentary with your work profile. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to waste time on social media browsing.
Basically, what you need to do is, to visit various social forums – related to your industry – from time to time and showcase your skills. There are lots of hiring posts on different online social networking platforms. You need to scour them and drop your work profile link or CV where applicable.
Read:How to ace a Job Interview?
Be Accustomed to Virtual Life
The pandemic temporarily halted numerous offices; but not for long. Now-a-days more and companies are getting used to the idea of online conferencing. It's becoming increasingly apparent that a zoom meeting is almost as effective as a physical meeting. People can attain virtual meetings safely while staying at home, without facing the hassle of a physical one.
So naturally, whether you are working at someplace or looking to apply somewhere be prepared for tons of virtual meetings and conferencing. The better you shine in them; the better is your chance of scoring that job.
Read Quarantine Income Opportunities: How to Earn Money during Lockdown Period?
Continue Your Networking
In the new normal situation, physical job fairs and lead-generating meetings are not taking place. But should that stop you? How to get your networking game going? As everything regarding the official works is moving to the virtual world, so is your networking. And the most effective way to get the best out of this situation is continuing the process of networking online.
Keep yourself engaged in searching jobs in LinkedIn and other job sites. Try to attain the virtual job fairs. What is more? You can get immense networking opportunities through virtual seminars depending on the industry. Make a list and start attending them.
Read How to Earn Money from Mobile Photography?
Learn New Skills
Let’s be honest, the work-from-home scenario of the pandemic is providing you with a lot of free time. We understand the trouble of having to cope with the changing environment and other stress-related issues.
However, we suggest you to make the most out of your free time. Learn soft and hard skills following your passion and interest. You can prepare some industry-related gigs and/or show hands-on activities to the potential employers. This will not only bolster your work portfolio but also make you stand out from the rest candidates.
Read Free Online Content Writing Courses in 2021
Keep Applying
One of the common misconceptions regarding jobs and companies during the pandemic is that no one is hiring. During the pandemic, many businesses have shrunk across diverse industries. But, still the situation can’t hold all companies back from hiring fresh hands. Therefore why should you sit back?
Try to follow the job posts and leads on different job-searching websites as well as social networking platforms. Prepare efficient resumes and work profile/portfolios. Then, start applying to the positions that better suits to your caliber. The key here is to keep applying until something eventually shows up.
Read Best Job Searching Websites in Bangladesh
Patience is the Key
Remember we are all in this pandemic and it’s not like other times. So, a job query might take longer to get addressed or that interview might take more than a few weeks to happen. No matter what, the idea here is to not lose hope and be cordial in your queries. Being patient will ultimately reward you in the long run, not just in the job-hunting space.
Self-Care
This might not be directly related to job hunting itself but all the stress of the pandemic, working from home, and quarantine might induce fatigue and burnout. It’s completely natural to get stressed out in this tough time but what’s not okay is to continue that way. More than anything, you should give priority to your mental health and overall wellbeing. An optimistic mindset and healthy body can go a long way to prepare you better for the journey of job hunting.
Read:Passive Income Ideas in Bangladesh in 2021
Bottom Line
As the world normalizes the new normal, the job landscape is also changing and becoming a new norm for many businesses. The sooner you cope with this changing environment, the better result you get. We hope these tips will help you to get prepared for successful job hunting endeavors during the Covid pandemic.
Read What Is Passive Income? Pros and Cons of Passive Earning
Sufficient sacrificial animals available in Faridpur despite pandemic
Although many districts are bracing for a shortage of sacrificial animals ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha due to the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country, Faridpur is an exception.
Livestock farmers are now busy nurturing cattle in more than 5,000 cattle farms in nine upazilas of the district ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest festival of Muslims when over one crore cattle are sacrificed across the country.
Officials at district Livestock Department said more than 50,000 sacrificial animals are ready in the district for the Eid-ul-Azha.
They are expecting to supply those to other districts after fulfilling local demand, they said.
The farmers of the district told UNB that there is no need to bring sacrificial animals from the other side of the border keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation, as they are confident that the homegrown cattle would be enough to meet the demand.
They also demanded the authorities concerned take steps to halt smuggling of cattle from India to ensure fair prices for local farmers.
READ: Khulna braces for shortage of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, is likely to be celebrated across the country in late July for the second consecutive year under the shadow of a surging Covid-19 pandemic.
Keeping the status quo in mind, relevant authorities have taken steps to shift the major part of animal sales online.
Faridpur District Animal Resources Officer. Nurullah Md. Ahsan said,"We have taken initiative to sell sacrificial animals online in every upazila of the district this year. Farmers are posting pictures of their cattle on dedicated facebook pages and online spaces alongside their weight and value.”
He said at least 48,349 cattle if not more have been prepared for sale in the coming Eid despite the district having a demand of only 36,000.
Syed Zahurul Alam, owner of Syed Shah Ali Baghdadi, a large farm in Gerda area of Faridpur Sadar Upazila, said his farm has 60 large and medium-sized cows. He said that he has bought improved breeds of young cows and made them bigger for the sacrificial market.
READ: 27,000 sacrificial animals sold online ahead of Eid
He also added that they did not use any harmful chemicals for fattening their cattle this year.
“Many have been employed in my farm,” the proud owner said.
Abrar Nowsher, owner of Tahera Agro in the same area, said 50 large cows have been prepared for the sacrificial market on his farm.
"We have raised the animals through proper care throughout the year and hopefully we will get a good price," he said.
Shariatpur UNO fines groom’s uncle for extravagant wedding
Amid the alarming Covid situation in the country, a man was fined Tk 50,000 for bringing his nephew’s new bride by helicopter in Shariatpur Sadar upazila defying the health protocols in place for the pandemic.
Abdus Salam Sardar, 48, was fined by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mondip Ghorai for arranging a grand procession using helicopter, band party and palanquin which risked many of contracting with the Coronavirus.
Also read: 60-year-old Shariatpur man dies in isolation unit
According to locals, around 11am, the grand procession reached Natun Haat bridge area where a curious mass gathered to observe it.
UNO Mandip Ghorai said, for causing public gathering and violating health guidelines Abdus Salam was fined under section 259 of penal code, 1860.
Also read: 11 fined in Chandpur for defying health rules
Tofail, Firoz lament growing importance of amlas at the expense of politicians
Two front bench MPs from the treasury and opposition on Monday expressed their frustration at bypassing political leaders in various emergency periods like the COVID-19 pandemic.Ruling Awami League’s senior lawmaker Tofail Ahmed and Jatiya Party MP Kazi Firoz Rashid expressed their anger and frustration in Parliament while speaking on the general discussion on the next fiscal budget.AL senior lawmaker Tofail Ahmed said: "Now the administrative officers have been given the responsibility in our district. People think that all the help we gave to the people during Corona was given by these administrative officials."
Also read: Tofail also criticises budget, finds ‘inconsistencies’
But the administrative officials did not go to the area, he claimed."The person who has been given responsibility in my area has never come even for a day,” Tofail said, expressing his frustration.The senior most parliamentarian said that it was unfortunate.There is not a single MP in parliament who did not stand by the poor and distressed persons during this Coronavirus period. Everyone is standing by the people, he said.In this connection, he said that he has given relief to 40,000 people in his area."But people think that the administrative officials have given all this.”
Also read: Close Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee: Firoz RashidHe said that the authority and work of a political government and politicians have faded away nowadays.Tofail criticising the planning minister who recently said that there were bureaucrats even in Pharaoh's time, said: "People don't like these words."He said that according to the warrant of precedence, MPs are above the secretaries."This thing needs to be noticed. We will need officials from the administration, but not with the exclusion of politicians."Tofail said politicians are the elected representatives and they should have their specific place and job for them and they should remain there.
Also read: It’s hand to mouth budget, rather to recover the economy: Inu“A secretary will go to our district. We'll welcome him. There is no problem in it. But they do not go there even for a day.” He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister in 1996. At that time the ministers were in charge of the district. Party’s leaders and activists thronged there when they used to visit any district. Those days are gone now.Kazi Firoz Rashid also echoed Tofail Amed. He said there is no politics in the country today. Secretaries were given responsibility for each district.Jatiya Party MP Firoz said the Prime Minister spoke to the Deputy Commissioners at different programmes and MPs' positions at those programmes remained at a distance."Later (after the programme), MPs requested DC’s…they want to talk a little with the Prime Minister. This is the situation of politicians," he expressed his anger.He said when the Prime Minister speaks to the DCs, the importance of MPs becomes less. "Tofail Ahmed has perfectly mentioned this issue."The senior Jatiya Party MP said that the political arenas are slowly being occupied by businessmen."Who is running the country? Businessmen and bureaucrats are running the country. We politicians are now standing in the third line. This is our bad luck. But this country has been liberated by politicians."He said that it is the politicians, not the businessmen who have political commitment. They hold umbrellas to tell in which direction the wind blows."We were also in power, we have bitter experience in this regard," he warned.
Border with India to remain closed for another 14 days: Secretary
The border closure with India has been extended for another 14 days till July 14 amid the worsening Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh.
"All other (previous) conditions remain the same," Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told UNB confirming the extension.
The decision was taken in an inter-ministerial virtual meeting held with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in the chair on Monday.
Also read: Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision
Earlier, the government extended the border closure with India for a number of times and it was extended till June 30 before today's latest extension.
The government closed the border with India but cargoes carrying goods are allowed to operate as usual.
As per the previous decision, general movements of humans between Bangladesh and India will temporarily stay suspended through land ports.
Also read: Bangladesh puts Satkhira border areas on alert
The Bangladeshi citizens currently travelling to India for treatment and having visas with validity for less than 15 days could enter Bangladesh through only Benapole, Akhaura and Burimari after taking permission from Bangladesh missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala and with a mandatory Covid-19 negative certificates done through PCR test within 72 hours of entry.
Also read: Thakurgaon seals border areas to contain Covid
Merkel: Europe ‘on thin ice’ amid delta virus variant rise
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Europe is “on thin ice” in its battle against the coronavirus, as the highly contagious delta variant threatens to undo progress made in reducing infections.
In what may be her last government declaration to the German parliament, Merkel said the further response to the pandemic would be a main topic of discussion among European Union leaders at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday.
She noted that the number of COVID-19 cases in the 27-nation bloc continue to decline, while vaccination rates climb.
“But even though there is reason to be hopeful, the pandemic isn’t over, in particular in the world’s poor countries,” she said. “But in Germany and Europe we’re also still moving on thin ice.”
“We need to remain vigilant,” Merkel added. “In particular the newly arising variants, especially now the delta variant, are a warning for us to continue to be careful.”
EU health officials predicted Wednesday that the delta variant will make up 90% of all cases across the bloc by the end of August, showing the need for as many people to be fully vaccinated as possible.
In Germany, the delta variant now makes up about 15% of new cases, according to the country’s disease control agency.
The country has pressed for EU countries to form a joint position on quarantine for travelers from areas where variants of concern are particularly prevalent. This includes England, where the delta variant — first detected in India — already makes up a majority of cases.
Experts warn of third wave of pandemic in India if health protocols ignored
As the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 started a downward spiral in India, health experts have begun to press the alarm bells for another wave of the outbreak, citing the flouting of health protocols amid eased restrictions and a sluggish vaccine rollout.
On Wednesday morning, India reported 50,848 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the case tally to cross the 30 million mark and reach 30,028,709, while the death toll reached 390,660.
The recovery rate in the country has increased to 96.56 percent.
The declining number of daily cases allowed local governments across the country to order relaxations, but warnings from experts and watchdogs pointed towards the risks of another wave of outbreak.
The devastating second wave of the pandemic caught India unawares. It saw the country's hospitals overwhelmed especially in major cities and towns. Unable to cope with the rush of patients, doctors saw themselves struggling for oxygen supplies and essential medicines.
Experts have blamed Indian authorities for ignoring warnings and going ahead with conducting elections in several states, besides allowing a mega Hindu religious congregation called Kumbh Mela.
CALLS FOR CAUTION
The easing of restrictions in the capital Delhi recently saw thousands crowd metro stations and shopping centers, prompting health experts to warn of the possible resurgence in COVID-19 infections.
Last week, the Delhi high court warned that the breach of COVID-19 protocol will only hasten the third wave of the pandemic. It asked authorities to take strict measures against violators and sensitize shopkeepers about the COVID-19 protocol.
The high court said if flouting of COVID-19 norms continues, "we will be in great trouble."
Also read: India's COVID-19 tally crosses 30 million
With the resumption of business in the capital, doctors have also cautioned that Delhi could face a "worse than second wave situation" if people lower their guard or do not adhere to safety norms.
Director of India's premier health institute - All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Randeep Guleria said last week that the third wave of COVID-19 could hit the country in the next six to eight weeks.
"It (third wave) could happen within the next six to eight weeks or maybe a little longer. It all depends on how we go ahead in terms of COVID-19 appropriate behavior and preventing crowds."
"We don't seem to have learnt from what happened between the first and the second wave. Again crowds are building up. People are gathering. It will take some time for the number of cases to start rising at the national level," Guleria said.
"Mini-lockdown in any part of the country, which witnesses a surge and a rise in positivity rate beyond 5 percent, will be required. Unless we're vaccinated, we're vulnerable in the coming months," he said.
Jai Prakash Narain, a former regional official of the World Health Organization, also expressed his concern.
"Sadly we... tended to celebrate victory prematurely, much before the battle was actually won. As a result, the country was caught off guard and unprepared to respond adequately when the second wave suddenly hit us and many lives were lost and families tragically devastated by the rampaging virus," Narain wrote in an article in a local daily.
Also read: Vaccine hesitancy puts India’s gains against virus at risk
SLUGGISH VACCINATIONS
Currently, vaccinating its huge population remained one of the main challenges facing the Indian government.
V K Paul, member (health) of the Indian government's top policy think tank, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog (commission), said vaccination against the COVID-19 gives at least 94 percent protection from the infection and reduces the chances of hospitalization by 75-80 percent.
The nationwide vaccination against COVID-19 started in India on Jan. 16, and so far only about 50 million people, or some 5 percent out of the country's total adult population of 940 million, have received two doses of the vaccine, according to the health ministry.
As per the health ministry, over 294 million doses have been administered across the country. A vast majority of the population that have been vaccinated have so far received only one dose.
As the Indian government aims to vaccinate the entire eligible population by the end of this year, experts said the country needs to administer 10 million doses a day to achieve this target.
Humanity will overcome pandemic soon: Modi writes to Hasina
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina expressing his optimism that humanity will overcome the pandemic very soon.
"I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said in his letter marking the International Day of Yoga that falls on June 21.
The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Wellness", which is particularly relevant in the current context.
Modi extended his deepest gratitude for the cooperation and efforts extended by one and all in making the International Day of Yoga celebrations a resounding success every year in Bangladesh.
"It was heartening to see our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh turning out in massive numbers in the last few years to perform Yoga at the Bangabandhu National Stadium," he said.
Also read: India will always stand by Bangladesh: Modi
The Indian Prime Minister said International Day of Yoga celebrations will continue to enjoy Sheikh Hasina government's support in the years ahead.
In 2014, the overwhelming response of the United Nations General Assembly to recognize June 21 as International Day of Yoga underlined the universal appeal of Yoga that transcends all barriers.
Since then, the International Day of Yoga has been marked globally with great fervour.
The world will mark the seventh International Day of Yoga.
"Like the year gone by, this year's International Day of Yoga will also be marked under the shadow of the Covid-19 global pandemic," Modi said.
In the midst of this monumental challenge, the Indian Prime Minister said the Covid-19 warriors have waged a remarkable fight against the pandemic. "While the threat of the pandemic remains, there have been positive developments since the last International Day of Yoga," he said.
In addition to various treatment protocols, scientific understanding about the virus, Modi said, they now also have several vaccines to protect people from the pandemic. "Vaccination drives are underway in several nations, including India. I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said.
Also read: Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Yoga has many benefits for the body as well as the mind. Despite all the efforts and precautions, Covid-19 may infect any person.
However, the Indian Prime Minister said, a strong immune system can aid in the fight against it.
"Yoga can help build that immunity, for instance, through breathing exercises that strengthen the lungs. At the same time, across the world, millions of people have been forced to stay indoors for months. This has taken a toll on their mental health as well. Regular practice of Yoga can also help them recover," he said.
The Indian Prime Minister said Yoga has an inherent power to connect. Yoga is good for community, immunity, and unity.
The theme of International Day of Yoga celebrations this year reflects the concern for the good health and wellbeing of people across the globe.
"It’s an endeavour to ensure that we focus on fitness as well as wellness," Modi said.
PM to distribute over 53,000 new homes to the homeless Sunday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s pledge to provide housing to the country’s homeless people rolls on in full swing defying odds of pandemic and inclement weather.
The long-time dream of over 53,340 homeless and land landless families to have their own homes is going to be fulfilled on Sunday.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the second-phase distribution of semi-pucca houses marking the Mujib Year through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban.The government has promised to provide a permanent address for every homeless person of the country on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence and Birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
READ: SSF to be modernised further: PM Hasina
These families will be provided with modern homes and land ownership documents across the country under Ashrayan-2 project on the day.