The US Embassy in Dhaka, in partnership with the American Film Showcase (AFS), hosted a screening of the documentary ‘15 Minutes of Shame’ at the American Center to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This event brought together a diverse audience, including IT students, civil society members, media, and academics, as part of the Embassy's efforts to promote digital safety and responsible online practices. Besides the American Center, the screening also took place in four American corners in Barishal, Sylhet, Chattogram and Rajshahi virtually. Approximately 200 viewers watched the documentary together across these five venues. Bren Flanigan, Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the US Embassy Dhaka, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the real-world consequences of online harassment and public shaming. He highlighted the growing challenges of digital privacy and security, stressing the need for increased awareness and responsible behavior online. Read: Cyber Security law continues Digital Security Act’s oppression, say victims ‘15 Minutes of Shame’, directed by Monica Lewinsky and Max Joseph, delves into the personal toll of public shaming and cyber-harassment, featuring real-life accounts of individuals impacted by online misconduct.

Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam on Monday called for city dwellers’ cooperation in the drive against Aedes mosquito that causes dengue.  “The areas where Aedes mosquitoes can spread or breed have been identified and everybody knows how to destroy Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. There is no alternative other than creating more awareness to prevent dengue outbreak,” he said. The minister was speaking at a virtual inter-ministerial meeting on action to prevent the mosquito-borne diseases across the country. He said dengue must not be allowed to spread as the country is now struggling to rein the surging Covid infections. “Mosquitoes know no border and the people of entire country can’t be allowed to be harmed due to the irresponsibility of one or two men. Everyone should work in a coordinated way and perform their duties with responsibility,” he said. Responding to allegations of Aedes larvae being found in different establishments, Tajul said “It’s a major crime to be negligent in destroying the breeding centres of mosquitoes those found responsible for it will be penalised.” READ: Govt to import German machine to clean up floating garbage: LGRD Minister Besides, the two city corporations are conducting drives in this regard through mobile courts, he said. Tajul also urged the authorities concerned of under-construction buildings to use larvicide or kerosene on stagnant water over the basement or building roof. Committees will be formed after dividing each ward into ten sub zones and a councillor will lead the committee comprising members from the public, he said. The committee can be engaged in dealing with relief distribution, mosquito killing, waterlogging problem and natural disaster. READ: Government mulls National Water Grid Line: LGRD Minister

Community Radios have been broadcasting various programmes 160 hours a day for tackling the second wave of COVID–19 pandemic and Info-demic by following the government instructions. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been exploring and sharing the updated information and materials needed by the radio stations, according to a press release. The content of the programme motivates community people to stay at home and be safe, take COVID–19 vaccine immediately, avoid gathering, wear the mask. wash hands frequently, etc. Community Radio broadcasts are a useful means to share community information, especially to the most remote populations. In rural Bangladesh, people depend on it as their primary source of information. Read Workshop on COVID-19 held for Dalits Since the lockdown is going on and the community radio stations have been broadcasting COVID-19 related programme through community service announcement (CSA) Radio Spots, Jingle, Drama, magazine, interviews of Upazila and District Corona Prevention Committee, District and Upazila Administration, and vaccination team on COVID-19 and community people’s voices too. Community Radio broadcasters are working by maintaining a close liaison with the Local Corona Committees, Communities, District, and Upazila Administration for updates. Community Radios have restricted visitors’ entry in the premises, make the security alert, monitor body temperature of broadcasters, and disinfecting equipment and other accessories frequently and regularly. The Community Radios are broadcasting programme with special emphasis to provide COVID-19 vaccine to the disadvantaged and marginalised community people and ensure government incentive package for the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised community during the lockdown. Community people are making phone calls and sending SMS during the live broadcasting to share their queries. They are maintaining social distancing, handwashing with soap, and avoiding all public gatherings. National print and online dailies have published the initiatives that are being fostered by the community Radios to prevent the second wave of COVID–19 pandemic. BNNRC has been working for adaptation and coping with the new normal situation of COVID-19 pandemic demands and reset new objectives to enhance the capabilities of affected communities through an equity lens for adapting, coping, surviving with the new normal situation. Read Community radio stations start broadcasting on flash flood

Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah has recommended increasing the number of juvenile courts and proper implementation of law along with increasing awareness of guardians to protect children.