In Bangladesh, hospitals are places where patients think twice before visiting, due to numerous issues such as hygiene, food quality, overcrowding and ventilation. Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) ranks top among the facilities blamed for these issues. “I never think of visiting public hospitals in Bangladesh, let alone Dhaka Medical College Hospital,” said Tahsin Farzana, a homemaker from a middle-class family. According to Tahsin, hospitals should provide relief, but in Bangladesh, particularly at public facilities, the conditions are distressing. "The washrooms and toilets in these hospitals are the dirtiest places," she remarked, adding that even attendants feel unwell after a short stay caring for a patient. Tahsin expressed frustration with the status quo, saying, “This situation cannot be allowed to go on. A hospital should be a place where a patient can heave a sigh of relief, but to expect that in Bangladesh is simply a dream.” Severe Hygiene Challenges Cleanliness within hospitals is critical, covering not only wards and operating theatres but also public areas like waiting rooms, toilets and cafeterias. Experts warn that inadequate hygiene in hospitals contributes to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.   Routine cleaning using hypochlorite disinfectants has been proven to reduce infections like C. difficile, particularly when combined with standard disinfectants. However, data reveals that cleanliness in Bangladeshi hospitals is alarmingly deficient. Only 38% of health facilities nationwide have basic hygiene services, with a stark difference between government (32%) and private (69%) facilities, as reported by WHO and Unicef in their latest JMP report.  A recent study by icddr,b found that only 33% of toilets in government hospitals are clean, with most lacking disposal options for menstrual hygiene products and facilities for disabled patients. The study, conducted across 2,459 toilets in Dhaka's healthcare facilities, highlights an inadequate user-to-toilet ratio, far exceeding the national standard of 1:6, with government hospitals reaching a ratio of 214:1. DMCH’s Fight with Mismanagement Dhaka Medical College Hospital, one of the country's most significant public healthcare providers, faces immense strain. Patient numbers at DMCH have almost doubled the hospital's intended capacity, severely impacting the quality of care. From wards to corridors, patients lie on floors as the hospital grapples with overcrowding, inadequate beds and a lack of resources. Read: Emergency services resume at DMCH, outdoor still closed Hospital director Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan acknowledged the numerous complaints, attributing the worsening conditions to both overcrowding and insufficient facilities. "One toilet serves ten patients. If you accommodate 4,300 patients in a facility designed for 2,600, along with two or three attendants per patient, the pressure on facilities is unmanageable," he explained. Khan also raised concerns about users’ behaviour, stating, "We strive to ensure cleanliness, but many patients and attendants are unaware of proper hygiene practices, often leaving waste like sanitary pads and plastic bags in toilets, exacerbating the problem." He also mentioned that staff shortages, especially among the fourth-grade workforce, hinder the hospital's efforts to maintain cleanliness and order. A study on sanitation in Dhaka's major hospitals was conducted by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney, icddr,b in Bangladesh, and Dhaka Medical College. It highlights severe issues with toilet functionality, cleanliness, and accessibility, especially for outpatient services, with recommendations for improved resources and management to meet sanitation standards by 2030. The cross-sectional study, conducted between August and December 2022, evaluated toilets in 10 government and two private hospitals to assess their functionality, cleanliness, and user-to-toilet ratio. The findings revealed that only 68% of government hospital toilets and 92% of private hospital toilets were functional. Cleanliness was even more concerning, with only 33% of toilets in government hospitals and 56% in private hospitals considered clean. The study also uncovered high user-to-toilet ratios, particularly in outpatient services, where ratios were as high as 214:1 in government hospitals and 94:1 in private facilities. Alarmingly, only 3% of toilets had bins for menstrual-pad disposal, and less than 1% were equipped for disabled users. Read more: Five including 2 DMCH staffers caught by students over irregularities The researchers emphasise that improving sanitation facilities in Dhaka's healthcare facilities is critical to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, calling for increased resources, maintenance staff, and leadership from hospital administrators to address these shortcomings. This study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to improve basic sanitation and infection control in healthcare settings in Dhaka. A Call for Urgent Reforms The situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital reflects a broader crisis within the country’s healthcare system. The poor hygiene standards, staff shortages, budget constraints, and inadequate facilities at DMCH paint a grim picture of the healthcare services available to the public. Addressing these issues will require significant resource allocation, dedicated maintenance staff, and, crucially, strong leadership to enforce standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and patient care. With rising patient numbers and deteriorating conditions, the need for reform has never been more pressing.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Muslims worldwide honor this event by performing Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act is a manifestation of devotion, obedience, and charity. However, with the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha comes the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness, especially after the Qurbani. Proper hygiene is vital to prevent disease spread and to respect the environment and community. Preparations Before Qurbani Choose the Right Location Selecting an appropriate location for the sacrifice is the first step in ensuring cleanliness. Ideally, this should be a clean, designated area that is easy to sanitize post-Qurbani. If you are performing the sacrifice at home, choose an open, ventilated space like a backyard or garden. Avoid places where food is prepared or consumed to prevent contamination. Gather Necessary Supplies Before performing Qurbani, gather all the necessary supplies to facilitate an efficient and hygienic process. These include: - Cleaning supplies: Disinfectants, antiseptic solutions, garbage bags, and cleaning tools. - Protective gear: Gloves, aprons, and masks to maintain personal hygiene. - Containers: Clean containers for storing meat and other parts of the animal. - Tools: Ensure all cutting tools are clean and sanitized before use. Read more: What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important? Inform Neighbors It is courteous to inform your neighbors about your Qurbani plans, especially if you live in a close-knit community. This allows them to make necessary arrangements and ensures cooperation in maintaining cleanliness. Encourage your neighbors to follow similar cleanliness practices to keep the entire community tidy. During Qurbani Maintain Hygiene Maintaining hygiene during the Qurbani process is crucial. Use clean and sanitized tools for the sacrifice to prevent contamination. All individuals involved should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water to maintain personal hygiene. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as gloves and aprons is important to prevent direct contact with blood and other fluids, further ensuring a safe and sanitary process. Proper Handling of Waste Proper handling of waste generated during Qurbani is essential to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness. Here’s how you can manage waste effectively: - Separate the edible parts from the waste immediately after the sacrifice. - Use designated bins for different types of waste. Organic waste, such as blood and internal organs, should be disposed of in specific bins and covered properly. - Avoid throwing waste in open areas or public spaces to prevent attracting pests and causing a nuisance to others. Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment Immediate Post-Qurbani Clean-up Waste Disposal After Qurbani, the immediate disposal of waste is crucial. Pack the waste securely in heavy-duty garbage bags; double-bagging is recommended to prevent leaks and spills. Dispose of the waste at designated locations or waste collection points rather than leaving the garbage bags outside your home or in public areas. This practice helps maintain cleanliness and prevents the spread of disease. Disinfect the Area Once the waste has been disposed of, the area where the Qurbani was performed needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Use disinfectants to clean the site, paying special attention to areas with blood and other residues. Wash the area with plenty of water to ensure no traces of blood or waste remain. Additionally, disinfect all tools and equipment used during the Qurbani to prevent any bacterial or viral contamination, ensuring a hygienic environment. Personal Hygiene After completing the clean-up, it is important to ensure personal hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin with soap and water to remove any contaminants. Clean and disinfect any protective gear worn during the process, such as gloves and aprons, to prevent the spread of bacteria. If possible, take a shower to ensure complete cleanliness and to feel refreshed after the task. These steps are essential for maintaining personal health and hygiene.

Street food is a delightful and integral part of many cultures, offering unique culinary experiences that are often unparalleled. Bangladesh's vibrant street food scene is a feast for the senses, featuring delicious snacks and meals at every corner, from savory fuchka to sweet jilapi. These culinary delights are a must-try for any visitor. However, it is crucial to be mindful of potential health risks associated with street food, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. Here is how you can savor street food safely in Bangladesh. Tips for Eating Street Food Safely Check Reviews In the digital age, many food bloggers and reviewers provide insights into the quality and safety of street food vendors. Before buying food from a particular roadside stall, check online reviews. These reviews often highlight the hygiene practices of the vendors and the overall quality of the food. This can be an invaluable resource for making informed decisions about where to eat. Inspect the Vendor's Cleanliness Before deciding to purchase street food, take a moment to observe the vendor's cleanliness. Check if their hands are clean and if they use gloves or tongs when handling food. A vendor who maintains personal hygiene is likely to adhere to better food safety practices, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The way a vendor handles food is a good indicator of their overall hygiene standards. Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It Assess the Cleanliness of the Stall The overall cleanliness of the food stall is another critical factor. Look for vendors who keep their cooking area and utensils clean and avoid those with overflowing bins or dirty utensils. A clean environment signifies good hygiene practices. Stalls that are well-organized and tidy are more likely to follow safe food handling practices, which helps in minimizing the risk of contamination. Go for Freshly Cooked Food Whenever possible, choose food that is cooked right in front of you. Freshly prepared foods are delicious and less likely to be at risk of spoilage. Foods that are left out for long periods can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of illness. Opting for freshly cooked items ensures that you are consuming food that is less likely to have been contaminated. Observe Cooking Practices Watch how the food is being cooked. Ensure that hot foods are served hot and cold foods are served cold. Proper cooking temperatures are crucial for killing harmful bacteria. Additionally, observe if the vendor avoids cross-contamination by handling raw and cooked foods separately. These practices are vital for maintaining food safety. Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Choose Busy Vendors Usually, a street food stall becomes popular for serving fresh and tasty foods. Therefore, it is best to opt for stalls with a high customer turnover. A busy vendor is often a sign of good food quality and safety. High turnover means that the food is being sold quickly, reducing the chances of it sitting out and becoming contaminated. Avoid Foods Washed with Tap Water In many places, tap water is not safe for consumption. Avoid eating foods that are washed with tap water, such as salads and raw vegetables. Contaminated water can carry harmful pathogens that lead to foodborne illnesses. It is suggested to opt for foods that do not require washing or are washed with safe water.

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will provide USD $ 56 million to improve sanitation and hygiene services for 14 lakh (1.4 million) people of 10  priority towns in Bangladesh. A loan deal in this regard was signed between Econmic Relation Division (ERD) and IsDB) here on Sunday. Under the loan agreement, IsDB will provide $ 56 million, out of which $ 36.4 million is loan and S$ 19.6 million is grant. Read: TCB to provide food support to 1 crore families during Ramadan: Tipu Fatima Yasmin, secretary of Economic Relations Division, ministry of finance has signed the agreement documents with IsDB. The purpose of the loan is to improve quality of lives and livelihoods for 1.4 million citizens of ten selected priority towns including Narsingdi, Shariatpur, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, Jamalpur, Notore, Pabna, Sirajgani, Bagerhat and Patuakhali. The project implementation will ensure safer, adequate, equitable, sustainable sanitation, hygiene, facilities and services with a special focus on the urban poor women and children in 10 towns of Bangladesh. The $36.4 million loan shall bear an interest rate approximately 3.20%. The total financing shall have a maturity of 20 years including a grace period of 5 years.  IsDB is one of the leading and trusted development partners of Bangladesh. Read: OPEC provides $ 75 million to Bangladesh for pandemic recovery The purpose of the bank is to foster the economic development and social progress of member countries and Muslim communities individually as well as jointly in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shari’ah. Bangladesh is one of the founding members of the IsDB. The development partner has been providing financial assistance since its inception in the form of grant, project loan, trade financing, private sector financing, export credit guarantee etc. As of now IsDB has approved approximately 22.51 billion US$. IsDB’s project financing in the public sector of Bangladesh mainly focuses on sanitation, water sector, education, power, rural infrastructure, poverty alleviation and agriculture.

The World Bank and Bangladesh on Tuesday signed a $200 million financing agreement to help 3.6 million people access hygienic sanitation facilities and about 600,000 people access clean water in rural areas.