Md. Babul Hossain, 38, a resident of Manikganj, succumbed to the Nipah virus recently. Just days prior, 27-year-old Lutfar Rahman from the same district died under similar circumstances. Although there was no official confirmation of Nipah virus in Lutfar's case, according to the Upazila Health and Family Planning Center, the situation has sparked panic. Not only for Manikganj, but it is a matter of concern for Bangladesh, given the vulnerability to this virus in recent years. It is imperative to acquire accurate knowledge about Nipah virus infection and take appropriate action to prevent its spread. To prevent infection, let's understand how the Nipah virus spreads and identify its sources. What is the Nipah Virus? Nipah virus, in short NiV, is one of many types of zoonotic viruses. A zoonotic virus refers to a virus that can be transmitted between vertebrates and humans. While the potential carriers of NiV are numerous, its presence has been observed primarily in pigs and bats. Specifically, the carrier of NiV is fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, commonly known as the flying foxes. Pteropus is among the largest species of bats globally. They are commonly found in Southeast Asia, India, South Asia, Australia, East Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Read more: After father-in-law, woman dies of ‘Nipah virus’ in Naogaon How is the Nipah Virus Spread? The essential genetic material in an animal's body is RNA or ribonucleic acid. NiV primarily infects the entire animal by targeting this RNA. Subsequently, when another animal comes into contact with the infected one, the viral RNA spreads to the healthy animal. The contact can be made through various mediums, such as - Direct contact with infected animals, such as bat blood, saliva, vomit, or feces, poses a risk. - Location of palm trees near yards, water wells, agricultural fields, or domestic animal shelters, can enhance the risks of contamination. - Consumption of food or water contaminated with body fluids of NiV infected animals, such as palm sap and water from wells contaminated by bats, or partially eaten fruits by bats, can also facilitate the transmission of Nipah virus. - Contact with an NiV infected person, involving exposure to blood, spit, sneezes, vomit, feces, or even respiratory droplets, is another route of Nipah virus transmission. Several incidents in Bangladesh and India proved that NiV is airborne and moderately contagious. Read more: Suspected Nipah virus patient dies in Barishal Most Vulnerable Communities to Nipah Virus Outbreaks While human-to-human transmission was not initially reported, this phenomenon is being increasingly observed, especially in Bangladesh and neighboring countries like India. Hospital workers caring for patients infected with Nipah virus, family members of patients, and individuals involved in palm juice harvesting are now at the highest risk.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh has become the first company in the country to be certified as a top employer for the fourth time presented by the Top Employers Institute. In 2023, the company won the award for both the global and Asia Pacific categories for "establishing and ensuring best practices regarding employees' well-being, sustainability, and leadership." The Top Employers Institute is the global authority that recognises excellence in people practices. Since its inception in 1991, the institute has assessed over 2,050 organisations across 121 countries for accelerating the impact of people's strategies to enrich the world of work. BAT Bangladesh was assessed across multiple aspects, such as robust business and people strategy, career and growth opportunities, simplification, employee well-being and benefits, and employer branding, said a media statement Thursday. Saad Jashim, head of human resources at BAT Bangladesh, said: "Our focus has always been on driving high performance and developing our next generation of leaders by valuing their diverse strengths and creating a culture of inclusion and well-being." Read more: BAT Bangladesh scoops up ‘ICMAB Best Corporate Award’ for sixth time  

Bangladesh opted to bat first in the second ODI of the three-match series against South Africa in Johannesburg.  A win will ensure the series for Bangladesh as they won the first match by 38 runs riding on the superb performance by Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali Rabbi and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.  While Shakib, Liton and Yasir hit a fifty each, Mehidy bagged four wickets.  “We'll have a bat first. We are confident, looks like a good wicket. We have to start well and post a decent total. It's a great opportunity for us, everyone is motivated. We know how hard we have worked to get here. We have not made any changes,” Tamim said after winning the toss.  READ: SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Head to Head Records, Venue Stats, Fixtures Bangladesh never won an ODI in South Africa before this series. Now, they are on the verge of winning a series in South Africa against the hosts.  South Africa: Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (capt), Kyle Verreynne, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (capt), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Yasir Ali, Mahmudullah Riayd, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

A 56-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death with a cricket bat in the Chandgaon area of Chattogram city Thursday. "Md Yakub, 56, was brutally assaulted with a bat over a brawl with his neighbour. Police held Nabil and his father Akkas in connection with the incident," Moinur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Chandgaon Police Station, said. The father and son used a cricket bat to thrash Yakub, alleging that he broke down the wooden barrier they had put up on the road next to the entrance of their house, the OC added. Also read: Woman beaten to death in city over land dispute Yakub fell unconscious on the ground and had to be rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival. Two men were held in connection with the incident, and inquiries continue against two more, Moinur said. Also read: Man beaten to death in Laxmipur

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first in the T20I series opener against Pakistan at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Bangladesh included debutant Saif Hassan in this match. He replaced Liton Das who failed to perform well in the ICC World Cup and subsequently lost his place in the national team. The right-handed batter played a total of 28 T20s so far and scored 682 runs, averaging 28.41. He has also played five Tests so far. Also read: Bangladesh v Pakistan: Young Tigers look to restore pride lost in World Cup Bangladesh are missing the services of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan as well. Shakib has been overlooked due to an injury, while Mushfiqur was rested by the selectors -- a claim Mushfiqur denied, saying he was dropped. Before this series, Bangladesh took on Pakistan in 12 T20Is with two wins. Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah(c), Nurul Hasan(w), Aminul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman. Also read: Babar looks to leave World Cup disappointment behind Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh on Sunday donated Tk 9.15 crore to the Labour Welfare Fund under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. BAT Bangladesh has been regularly contributing to this fund since the introduction of the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation Act, according to a press release. On behalf of BAT Bangladesh, a four-member delegation comprising Head of Human Resources Department of BAT Bangladesh Saad Jasim, Head of External Affairs Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, company’s two other high officials Adrita Dutta and Akhtar Anwar Khan handed over the cheque to State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Mannujan Sufian in the conference room at the Secretariat. During the programme, Labor and Employment Secretary KM Abdus Salam, Director General of Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation Mollah Jalal Uddin NDC and other officials were also present amongst others. BAT Bangladesh has been working as a partner of the Government's initiative for more than 110 years. In the past 10 years, BAT Bangladesh has so far contributed a total of Tk 58.15 crore to the fund. Since the Labour Welfare Fund was formed, BAT Bangladesh has been donating a portion of their profit regularly to the fund as a responsible organization. BATB has solely contributed 15 percent of the total accumulated Welfare Fund.