Bangladesh recorded 60 Covid-related deaths and 3,956 new cases in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, showing an alarming sign of deterioration in the pandemic situation. With the new figures, the death toll jumped to 13,282 while the death rate stood at 1.59 percent, said a handout of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Bangladesh’s fight to tackle the second wave of coronavirus has become tougher after the detection of the Delta variant of the virus in different parts of the country. The higher infection rate in frontier districts and limited capacities in district hospitals have become a challenge amid the worsening situation. The total caseload reached 8,37,247 with the new cases while the daily infection rate climbed to 16.62% in the 24-hour period. However, the overall positivity rate stood at 13.41%.The daily  positivity rate was 14.27% on Tuesday and 14.80%  on Monday. Among the deceased, 36 were men and 24 women. Of them, three were between 11-20 years of age, one was between 21-30, seven between 31-40, 10 between 41-50, 16 between 51-60 and 23 were above 60 years’ old, according to the handout. Besides, eight of them were from Dhaka division, another eight from Chattogram, 17 from Rajshahi, 14 from Khulna, six from Sylhet, four from Rangpur and three from Mymensingh divisions. The numbers were found after testing a total of 23,807 samples across the country. Read: Biotech's Covid vaccine to get conditional approval for human trials: BMRC Besides,  2,679 Covid-19 patients recovered in the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries now stands at 7,73,752, while the recovery rate at 92.42%.  Lockdown extended The government has extended the ongoing countrywide lockdown till 15 July as the Covid-19 situation continues to worsen in the country. However, all government, semi-government, autonomous private offices, banks and financial institutions will remain open maintaining health protocols. Biotech vaccine to get go-ahead The National Research Ethics Committee of Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) on Wednesday decided to approve Globe Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine, Bangavax, for human trials. Globe Biotech will get the final nod on conducting clinical trials on humans only after meeting some conditions set by the BMRC, its director Prof Dr Ruhul Amin said this after a virtual meeting. Read: 9 more Covid patients die in Khulna division Bangladesh to set up international vaccine institute Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the government is going to set up an international vaccine institute to produce vaccines, including the Covid-19 ones, in Bangladesh. She said the government will sign an agreement with South Korea to set up the vaccine institute and the issues relating to ratification, accession and approval of the agreement by the Cabinet are under process. The Prime Minister said the government has taken an initiative to produce Covid-19 vaccines in the country alongside collection from foreign sources to check the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Hasina said government-to-government (G2G) negotiations are underway with the countries that have developed vaccines for transferring technology to this end. 14 die in Khulna, 17 in Rajshahi Khulna continues to be one of the hardest hit frontier districts as 14 more people died of coronavirus in the district, according to the DGHS handout. Besides, 139 patients are currently undergoing treatment at  Khulna Corona Dedicated Hospital, said Dr Suhash Ranjan Haldar, the nodal person for the corona unit. Of them, 70 people are receiving treatment in the red zone of the hospital, 21 in the yellow zone, 20 in ICU (intensive care unit), and 28 in HDU (high deficiency unit), said Dr Suhash. Read: Bangladesh extends ‘lockdown’ till July 15 In Rajshahi, 17 more died of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the highest in the country during the period. Meanwhile , director of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH)  Brigadier General Shamim Yeazdani on Wednesday told UNB that  as many as 48 people have been admitted to the corona unit of the hospital during the time. Currently, some 344 people are undergoing treatment at the hospital against its capacity of 305 beds in the corona unit. To deal with the pressure of Covid patients, the hospital authorities have added 34 beds, including two ICU beds, to the hospital's existing capacity, he said. Besides, a letter has been sent to the Department of Health Services to send 15 more physicians to the hospital. Some 15 doctors have joined the hospital in the past week. Test at home The district administration of Bagerhat has introduced mobile Covid testing booths for collecting swab samples at the doorsteps of people. Sheikh Sarhan Naser Tonmoy, Bagerhat-2 MP, took the initiative, following a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in the district. To avail of the opportunity, people have to make a call on the hotline numbers -- 01920-922229 and 01400-305405.

The pomp and colour associated with Pahela Baishakh was absent as people celebrated the event virtually for the second consecutive year amid restrictions imposed to contain the transmission of coronavirus. The first day of Bangla calendar also saw the country shattering its single-day Covid-19 fatalities record. With a lockdown in place, festivities and cultural events to mark the Bangla New Year were all held virtually. Symbolic ‘Mangal Shobhajatra-1428’ The marquee events of the day – the traditional ‘Borsho-Boron’ programme by Chhayanaut and the Mangal Shobhajatra parade by the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University – have all been cancelled. Also read: After lives & livelihoods: Covid strikes at culture, with Pahela Baishakh forced indoors Both Chhayanaut and FFA broadcast pre-recorded programmes on national TV. The Faculty of Fine Arts pre-recorded a unique, symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra for 1428 with the participation of the State Minister for Cultural Affairs and fewer than 20 people. They showcased their banner and 100 prop items made by students and teachers, including face shields and masks in the symbolic procession. Online events Renowned cultural organisations and institutions including Chhayanaut, the Faculty of Fine Arts, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Liberation War Museum Bangladesh and many others have observed the day with online festivities and programmes. Also read: Chhayanaut cancels Pahela Baishakh festivities at Ramna, goes back to virtual celebration with BTV Chhayanaut had initial plans to arrange and record their programme at the Ramna Park without a live audience at the dawn of April 14, or pre-record the programme before that. Instead, they broadcast this year’s festivity through a special collaborative programme with Bangladesh Television (BTV) and also on its YouTube channel Chhayanaut Digital - Platform. Shilpakala Academy also broadcast a live webinar and cultural programme on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel, which was joined by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor. Liberation War Museum and Wrishiz Shilpi Goshthi also held online programmes on Facebook on the occasion. Also read: Google celebrates Pahela Baishakh with new doodle This year, April 14 also marks the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Bangladesh and some other Muslim countries in the world. On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the countrymen and all Bangla-speaking people across the globe. Prime Minister Hasina urged everyone to follow health guidelines and celebrate Pahela Baishakh at home, in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases.

The country will be forced to abandon its traditional Bengali New Year celebration on April 14 for a second consecutive year, as the local outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic witnesses a resurgence, forcing the festive occasion of Pahela Baishakh to be welcomed and celebrated once again through online platforms and symbolic programmes like the last year. Although millions are bound to be disappointed by the turn of events, most of them would not be surprised that it came to such a pass, where the year 1428 in the Bengali calendar will be ushered in by most people indoors, same as 1427 was a year ago. With its celebration of the changing of the seasons, rooted in nature through its relation with the spring harvest, and rife with symbolism drawn from the region's flora and fauna, Pahela Baishakh is an essentially outdoor event. No one can look forward to recreating any of its traditional magic in an indoor setting. Besides, Covid restrictions mean very few can even gather under the same roof to be with their near and dear ones at least. Renowned cultural organizations and institutions including Chhayanaut, the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) of Dhaka University, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum Bangladesh (LWM) and more will observe the day with online-based festivities and programmes, to welcome the new calendar year 1428. Also read: People’s lives come first: PM Hasina The marquee events of the dawn are the traditional Borsho-Boron programme by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul in the capital and the Mangal Shobhajatra parade of the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University, which will not be arranged live this year. However, both Chhayanaut and FFA have informed UNB that they are going to showcase pre-recorded programmes on national televisions in the morning. First observed in 1989 by FFA as a colourful procession celebrating the Bengali New Year with the participation of people from all walks of life, the annual Mangal Shobhajatra has received the recognition of UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage on November 30, 2016. With the theme "Kal Bhoyankorer Beshe, Abar Oi Ashe Sundor", FFA was forwarding to celebrate this year's procession and started preparation for making props on April 6, as it could not organize the parade last year due to the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. Also read: Bangladesh’s complete lockdown set to begin on Apr 14; notification issued Unfortunately, plans for organizing the large procession this year had to be cut down, and instead of cancelling the event, FFA has pre-recorded a symbolic programme at the premises of the Faculty of Fine Arts. "Initially, the Dhaka University authorities decided to arrange a symbolic event on FFA premises on the day of Pahela Baishakh, as it has always been culturally very significant and this year marks the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. As per the government's directive regarding the lockdown restrictions to curve the ongoing pandemic, we decided and pre-recorded a symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra for 1428 on a very limited scale at the premises of FFA with the participation of our State Minister for Cultural Affairs and fewer than 20 people, showcasing our banner and 100 prop items made by our students and teachers including face shields and masks," Nisar Hossain, Dean of the FFA, told UNB on Tuesday. The press and electronic media were not allowed to broadcast the recording, however, The DU authority will provide a video and press elements of the programme to the press and electronic media tomorrow, he informed. Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 69 more die, 6,028 infected On Monday, Chhayanaut general secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa stated, “As we could not celebrate Pahela Baishakh 1427 through arranging our traditional cultural festivity under the banyan tree at Ramna Park, we had been preparing and rehearsing to organize the festivity this year without the crowd at the venue and also we had plans to pre-record the programme if the situation restricts us to arrange on that day. Sadly, as we have been observing the recent surge of the pandemic and also as some of our artists are being infected with COVID-19 -  we have decided to broadcast this year’s festivity through a special collaborative programme with Bangladesh Television (BTV) as last year." “The programme will broadcast from 7 am to 8 am, and it will be showcasing a compilation of some of the new and previous performances of Chhayanaut artists, and this year we are featuring performances focusing on the Golden Jubilee of our glorious Independence. Aside from BTV, Chhayanaut will also broadcast the programme on its YouTube Channel Chhayanaut Digital - Platform," she added. Also read: Chhayanaut cancels Pahela Baishakh festivities at Ramna, goes back to virtual celebration with BTV Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will broadcast a live webinar and cultural programme on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel from 11 pm onwards, which is scheduled to be joined by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor as its chief guest. BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky will preside over the virtual event, which will also be joined by prominent eductator and writer prof Syed Manzoorul Islam as the speaker and renowned cultural personalities including Nazrul Sangeet maestro Khairul Anam Shakil, folk singer Akramul Islam, Rabindra Sangeet singer Lily Islam, performing students from the Govt Music College and more. Liberation War Museum (LWM) will also broadcast a virtual programme on its official Facebook page at 11 am. Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes Wrishiz Shilpi Goshthi will arrange an online programme on Facebook as well. It will be broadcast at 9 am on Pahela Baishakh, according to legendary folk icon Fakir Alamgir, President of the cultural group. Earlier, the government restricted all sorts of outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh and asked to organize virtual events for online celebrations. Therefore, all the major outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh are called off for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This year, April 14 also marks the first day of Ramadan in Bangladesh and some other Muslim countries in the world.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged everyone to follow health guidelines and celebrate Pahela Boishakh at home when the nation enters a strict weeklong lockdown to contain the upsurge of coronavirus transmission. "We have to remember that the lives of the people come first. If (we) survive, we’ll be able to rearrange everything," she said while addressing the nation on the eve of Bengali New Year, Pahela Boishakh. State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) simultaneously broadcasted her address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the Prime Minister’s speech. She also urged the countrymen not to be panicked at the second wave of covid-19 and assured that her government is always with them. She asked authorities concerned to take measures to provide necessary assistance to the poor and low-income people. In her roughly 13-minute speech, the Prime Minister said that the government has imposed some restrictions on the movement of people due to the second wave of coronavirus last week. She said the rise in cases compelled the government to take some tough measures following the advice of public health experts. The prime minister acknowledged that the strict measures could cause some issues for the livelihoods of many people. She reminded everyone that protecting the people's lives was the top priority. Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 69 more die, 6,028 infected Sheikh Hasina mentioned that last year everyone had to face various types of adverse situations after coronavirus hit. "As quarantine is one of the ways to resist this pandemic, for that we’ve to take some steps that had an impact on people's lives and livelihoods," she said. The four principles She said that last year the government imposed 62 days of general holiday. It is yet to open educational institutions. The Prime Minister said the situation was not unique to Bangladesh. “Such steps are being taken wherever the impact of this deadly virus is intensifying," she said. Along with saving people's lives, the Prime Minister said the government is keeping watch so that country's economy, lives and livelihoods of the people do not fall apart. “With cooperation from all we have taken some steps, as a result, last year we were able to face the coronavirus pandemic successfully,” she said. She said the government fixed four key activities last year to face the possible adverse impact of coronavirus. They were—increasing public expenditure prioritising employment generation; formulating stimulus package for reviving economic activities, keeping labours and workers in their jobs and keeping the competitiveness of the entrepreneurs. The other two are— expanding social safety net programmes for fulfilling the basic needs of people living under the poverty line, non-institutionally engaged and day labourers, and increasing money supply to overcome the adverse impact on the economy in a way there will be no inflation. “Our activities are continuing based on these four principles. We’ve already announced 23 stimulus packages of Tk 1,24,053 crore,” she said. Also read: Covid-19: Hasina for balancing livelihoods and public health ‘Don’t worry’ She also said that some 2.5 crore people have been brought under various government assistance programme apart from taking steps for uninterrupted production in mills and factories and increasing agricultural production. “There’s no need to be worried, the government is always beside you. I’ve taken steps for the poor and lower-income group after the second wave hit,” she said. In this regard, she said that the government allocated Tk 807.65 crore for employment generation in the rural areas and more than Tk 672 crore for Holy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. This will benefit 1,24,42,000 lower income group families. 5.6mln people received first dose Talking about the vaccine of coronavirus, Sheikh Hasina said that scientists have already invented some vaccines, Oxford-AstraZeneca is one of them. She also said that it was a matter of good luck that Bangladesh has been able to bring a sizeable number of doses at the beginning of the vaccine production. “In the meantime, more than 56 lakh people have been taken the first dose of the vaccine. Those who’ve taken the first dose are now taking the second dose. Gradually, we’ll bring everyone under the vaccine programme and we’ve the preparations,” she said. But she mentioned that the health experts said that there is no assurance that one will be fully protected from the virus after receiving the vaccine. “So, after taking the vaccine, we’ll have to maintain health guidelines too,” she said. Also read: Bangladesh begins second phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive Covid treatment facilities being increased The Prime Minister said that the area of coronavirus patient treatment has been further expanded in all districts including Dhaka. In the meantime, steps have been taken for uninterrupted oxygen supply in public specialised hospitals. Existing ICU facilities are being increased. She urged everyone to be careful and ensure protection for themselves, family members and neighbours. “So, gatherings have to be avoided and everyone should wear a mask when going outside. After returning home, one should get cleaned and take hot water vapour,” she said. “If everyone follows health guidelines, it’ll be possible to keep the pandemic under control, Inshallah,” she said. ‘Celebrate Pahela Boishakh digitally’ She also mentioned that era after era pandemic, storms, cyclones and calamities come, mankind has to survive facing all these. “The path of life is not smooth. The path may be tough enough [but] we’ve to make our advancement conquering that,” she said. Quoting some lines of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Prime Minister said that Bangalis are the victorious nation and they are surviving facing various adversities. Also read: Bangladesh’s complete lockdown set to begin on Apr 14; notification issued “Inshallah, we’ll face this coronavirus pandemic. In the new year our prayer to the Almighty is to save the world from this pandemic,” she said. The Prime Minister greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Bengali New Year and Holy Ramadan that fell on the same day this year. She also asked all to stay home. “Like the previous year, Bangalis will have to celebrate Pahela Boishakh festival through digital medium remaining at home,” she said.

BNP on Friday proposed the formation of an 'all-party committee' to involve people for containing the second wave of coronavirus in Bangladesh. "We think there’s still time to form an all-party committee to get rid of the coronavirus problem. One thing we want to emphasise that it's not possible to overcome a huge challenge like Covid without the involvement of people,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a virtual press conference, he said it is necessary to involve the people of all walks of life, political parties, different organisations and individuals to tackle a pandemic like coronavirus. The BNP leader said effective campaigns should be launched to make people aware of the situation and the deadly virus. “People need to be given an idea of the severity of the disease to get their cooperation in the fight against it. Let's save people and the country with united efforts based on a national consensus.” Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 7000+ cases for fifth day He said a strategy should be worked out to protect people's both lives and livelihoods. “We call upon the government to provide adequate incentives to entrepreneurs of the informal sector.” Besides, Fakhrul said, those who are working in the informal sector, including the employees of shops and small factories, should be given allowances as long as the problem persists, especially when there is a lockdown. He also urged the government to carry out relief activities to mitigate the sufferings of the destitute and day-labourers. The BNP leader demanded the government take effective steps to ensure vaccine for the majority population of the country and thus attain herd immunity to eliminate the Coronavirus. Also read: Covid situation getting out of hand: BNP "We’ve learned from experts that if Bangladesh wants to attain hard immunity, at least 125 million people must be vaccinated and health rules must be followed. But the government still couldn't   manage the required number of vaccine doses,” he said. He appreciated the government’s reported move to import vaccines from China and Russia. “Why didn’t you do this earlier?” Fakhrul called upon the government to work out a roadmap to collect vaccines for at least 12.5 crore people and properly distribute those in a bid to attain herd immunity.  Besides, he urged the government to take steps for ensuring healthcare facilities, enhancing testing capacities and increasing ICU beds for the coronavirus infected people. Also read: Lockdown unproductive due to mismanagement: BNP As the government is planning to enforce a full lockdown from April 14, he said the government should have a strategy to implement it by taking necessary steps to reduce public sufferings during Ramadan. Fakhrul called upon their party’s all units to stand by the corona infected and poor people affected by the lockdown. Fakhrul said their party’s around 400 leaders and activists have so far died of coronavirus while over 5,000 were infected with the virus.

The  possible second wave of coronavirus in the country have to be tackled with joint efforts of private and government hospitals, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday.

Europe’s second wave of coronavirus infections has struck well before flu season even started, with intensive care wards filling up again and bars shutting down. Making matters worse, authorities say, is a widespread case of “COVID-fatigue.”