Bangladesh
Global Covid cases top 145 million
The Covid-19 situation is worsening around the world by the day, even with mass inoculations underway. The overall number of corona cases has now topped 145 million.
As of Saturday morning, the total case count and fatalities stand at 145,289,885 3,083,440, respectively. The latest figures have been released by Johns Hopkins University.
To date, the US has logged 31,991,750 cases, with 571,197 fatalities, as per the university data.
With the rate of Covid-19 deaths soaring in the past two weeks, Brazil on Friday reported 2,914 fatalities in 24 hours, raising the national toll to 386,416.
Also read: Global Covid-19 cases cross 144 million
According to the country's Health Ministry, 14,237,078 people in Brazil have so far tested positive for the virus, after tests detected 69,105 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours.
India has so far registered 16,263,695 cases and 186,920 deaths, according to the country's Health Ministry.
Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh recorded 88 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours till Friday morning, as the country grapples to tackle the second wave of the virus.
Health authorities also reported 3,629 new cases, said the Directorate General of Health Services in a handout.
The coronavirus death toll now stands at 10,869 with the mortality rate slightly rising to 1.47 percent after staying at 1.46 for the last two days.
Meanwhile, the daily infection rate fell to 14 percent from Thursday’s 14.63 percent.
Between April 16 and 19, the country recorded over 100 deaths breaking previous daily records. Bangladesh saw 91, 95 and 98 Covid-related deaths on April 20, 21 and 22, respectively.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.
Also read: Global Covid-19 cases near 144 million
Health authorities have so far confirmed 739,703 cases. Among them, 647,674 people -- 87.56 percent of all patients -- have recovered.
A rise in infection prompted the government to go for a lockdown from early April but it turned out to be lax. From April 11, the government imposed a ‘strict lockdown’ and later extended it to April 28.
On Friday, the government allowed shopping malls to open from April 25.
Dhaka is world's most polluted city
The densely populated capital of Bangladesh has once again topped the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
Dhaka's air quality index (AQI) at 6.29 am read 489, considered 'severe'.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', while a reading of 301 to 400 is said to be 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to city residents. And an AQI between 401 and 500 is said to be 'severe'.
Pakistan’s Karachi and India’s Kolkata occupied the second and third spots in the list of cities with the worst air quality, with AQI scores of 173 and 166, respectively.
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
In Bangladesh, the overall AQI is based on five criteria pollutants – Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and Ozone (O3).
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Generally, the capital's air starts getting fresh when monsoon rains begin from mid-June.
Also read: Public health issues like air pollution, environment not getting due attention
In 2021, the average daily AQI score was 261 in January, 231 in February and 211 in March, which hit the record high in the last five years.
The average AQI scores were 247, 193 and 170 in January-March 2017 respectively, according to the analysis made by Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Founder and Director of Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Stamford University, Bangladesh.
During these five years, the air quality was relatively better in 2020 as the average AQI scores were 235 in January, 220 in February and 175 in March in the year.
In January 2021, the air quality in Dhaka was hazardous (score 300+) for seven days, very unhealthy (score 200-300) for 23 days and unhealthy (151-200) for one day.
In the last three months, the highest average AQI score was 365 on January 20 and the lowest 144 on March 11, 2021.
Although the hazardous air quality poses serious health risks to residents, little is being done to check air pollution.
People are advised to avoid all outdoor exertion when the air quality is hazardous, said Dr Majumder, also chairman of the Department of Environmental Science of Stamford University.
What experts say
Experts say the exposure to a high level of air pollution weakens people’s respiratory and immune systems, causes various cold-related diseases, making them more susceptible to Covid-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recently cautioned that the cities which have a higher level of air pollution should reinforce their preparedness against the deadly corona pandemic.
Also read: Minister vows tough fight against air pollution in Dhaka
Experts also say the use of masks by all must be ensured by enforcing law and motivating people as it is the most effective way to protect oneself from pollution and Covid-19.
Leaders' Summit on Climate: Dhaka optimistic about $100 billion fund
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism over the promised international financial flow of US$100 billion, saying money is not a problem but the political commitment matters.
“I’m very optimistic as always. The most important thing is political commitment,” he said, noting that they have seen that commitment through the “Leaders Summit on Climate” hosted by US President Joe Biden.
Dr Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pushed for the annual target of mobilising $100 billion as committed by developed countries in her speech at the Summit on Thursday.
In a virtual briefing, the Foreign Minister said they have to know how to get the money, and money is not a problem if there is a political commitment.
He termed the Leaders’ Summit on Climate is a “breakthrough” and expressed satisfaction over the commitment of the global leaders.
The Foreign Minister referred to the emissions target set by the US by 2030 and commitment by countries like China, Japan, Germany, Canada and the European countries, and said these are “beautiful statements.”
Also read: Al Jazeera report on Bhasan Char false; part of it has vindictive approach: FM
“It seems there’s political push behind it, commitment is there,” he said, adding that these are very encouraging news for countries like Bangladesh.
Bangladesh stressed that the funding should be distributed at a ratio of 50:50 between mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, adaptation without mitigation is not a good strategy.
“We’ve a breakthrough in this dialogue and debate for the initiative taken by the US,” said the Foreign Minister.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put forward four suggestions to global leaders to fight climate change challenges with a strong collective response.
Her suggestions include announcing an immediate and ambitious action plan by developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions to keep the global temperature at 1.5 degrees Celsius with focus on mitigation measures; and ensuring the annual target of 100 billion US dollars which should be balanced 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation with a special attention to the vulnerable countries while pursuing losses and damages.
The other two suggestions are: Major economies, international financial institutions and private sectors should come forward with plans for concessional climate financing as well as innovation; and focusing on green economy and carbon neutral technologies with a provision of technology transfer among nations.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, was among others, present at the virtual media briefing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Russian President Vladimir Puti, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the participants at the Summit invited by the US President.
The Leaders’ Summit on Climate underscored the urgency - and the economic benefits - of stronger climate action.
The Summit also highlighted examples of how enhanced climate ambition will create good paying jobs, advance innovative technologies, and help vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts.
It is seen as a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
A key goal of COP26 will be to catalyze efforts that keep that 1.5-degree goal within reach.
The entire world faces “a moment of peril” but also “a moment of opportunity,” Biden declared, speaking from a TV-style chrome-blue set for the virtual summit of 40 world leaders.
The participants appeared one after other onscreen for what appeared to be a mix of live and recorded addresses.
“The signs are unmistakable,” Biden said. “The science is undeniable. The cost of inaction keeps mounting.”
Biden’s new U.S. commitment, timed to the summit, would cut America’s fossil fuel emissions as much as 52% by 2030.
It comes after four years of international withdrawal from the issue under President Donald Trump, who mocked the science of climate change and pulled the US out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord, reports AP.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand presents credentials
Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye has presented his letter of credence to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Ambara Villa, Dusit palace in Bangkok.
While receiving the credentials, the King welcomed the Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand.
He recalled his fond memories of visiting Bangladesh twice and mentioned the warmth and hospitable nature of the people of Bangladeshi.
The Ambassador conveyed warm regards from the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh and conveyed the invitation on behalf of the President to visit Bangladesh.
Also read: Abdul Hye new Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand
The King of Thailand appreciated the Bangladesh Ambassador as he is familiar to Thailand due to his earlier stint in the Kingdom from 2004-2007.
The King wished Abdul Hye the success in his assignment.
Following the presentation of the credentials, a reception was hosted by the King in honour of the new Ambassadors on Tuesday.
The event was broadcast at the national media of Thailand with due importance.
Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 95 more die with infection rate falling to 15.07pc
Bangladesh registered 95 more Covid-related deaths in 24 hours until Wednesday that pushed up the total number of fatalities to 10,683.
Besides, 4280 people were found infected during the period after testing 28,408 samples, the Directorate General of Health Services said in a handout.
With the latest figure, the mortality rate rose to 1.46 percent while the infection rate declined to 15.07 percent from Tuesday’s 16.85 percent.
On Monday, the country had broken all the previous records of Covid-19 deaths registering 112 fatalities.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 last year and the first death on the 18th of that month.
Health authorities have so far confirmed 732,060 cases. Among them, 635,183 people - 86.77 percent of all patients – have recovered.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: PM allocates Tk 10.50cr for affected poor
April, the deadliest month
April has been the deadliest month since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in the country as the highest 1637 deaths and 117,292 new cases were recorded in 21 days of the month.
The virus claimed 568 lives in January this year, 281 in February and 638 in March.
Indian Cabinet approves MoU with Bangladesh
The Indian Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its ex post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on the establishment of a framework of cooperation in the area of trade remedial measures.
The MoU seeks to foster better cooperation between the relevant authorities of both the countries so as to discourage unfair trade practices and promote rule based bilateral trading between the two countries, said the Press Information Bureau of India on Tuesday.
Also Read: Bangladesh, India partners in development: Riva
Director General of Trade Remedies, Republic of India and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission signed the MoU on March 27.
The primary objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation between the two countries in the area of Trade Remedies, covering the broad activities related to exchange of information, undertaking capacity building activities and activities in accordance with various provisions of World Trade Organization in the area of anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures in bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh.
Also Read: Bangladesh, India need to work together: Jeffrey Sachs
Domestic flight suspension extended for another week
The ongoing suspension of domestic flights and charter flights of helicopter/general aviation passenger flights has been extended until April 28.
The restriction came after the government decided to extend the strict lockdown to contain the rapid spike of Covid-19 infections and deaths.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a circular in this regard on Monday. The order will come into effect from April 21.
Read US-Bangla to operate international flights on four routes from Saturday
All other conditions of the circular under reference will remain unchanged, the circular said.
Flight operations on domestic routes were suspended after the government enforced a lockdown in the first week of April.
Covid-19 situation update
Bangladesh again broke all previous records of Covid-19 deaths registering 112 fatalities in a 24-hour period until Monday morning.
Also read: US-Bangla to operate international flights on four routes from SaturdayThe country saw over 100 deaths for the fourth consecutive day.
The latest fatalities pushed up the death tally to 10,497 with a mortality rate of 1.45 percent, according to a handout from the Directorate General of Health Services.Besides, 4,271 new cases were reported during the period. The infection rate was 17.68 percent, down from 19.06 percent on Sunday.
Also read: Over 200 protest flight cancellation at Dhaka airport
Day 4 of lockdown: Dhaka wears a deserted look
Residents of Dhaka woke up to deserted roads as the Covid-19 lockdown in Bangladesh entered the fourth day on Saturday.
The complete lockdown, which came into effect on April 14 morning to contain the spread of Covid, will continue till April 21 midnight.
On Saturday, fewer private vehicles were seen plying on the city's roads as most of the otherwise busy stretches, including Bijoy Sarani and Mirpur Road, remained empty.
At all the important junctions of the city, the police have set up barricades and check posts to monitor the movement of vehicles as well as people.
Rickshaws, which provide last-mile connectivity to the residents, were, however, seen plying in the bylanes. Kitchen markets in the city too remained open though the footfall was low as compared to other days.
Bangladesh economy shows early signs of recovery amid uncertainties, says WB report
Bangladesh’s economy is showing nascent signs of recovery backed by a rebound in exports, strong remittance inflows, and the ongoing vaccination program.
The World Bank said it in its new report titled “Bangladesh Development Update- Moving Forward: Connectivity and Logistics to strengthen Competitiveness,” that was launched on Monday.It said that after being severely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic—which slowed growth and for the first time in two decades reversed the poverty reduction trend—the economy is recovering gradually.Over the first half of FY21, factories reopened and exports rebounded. However, the economy faces elevated risks in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.In Dhaka and Chittagong, the country’s two largest cities, recent surveys pointed to a recovery in the labor market in the first half of FY21.The report mentioned that with gradual restoration of livelihoods, food security in poor and slum areas improved. In Chittagong, the percentage of adults working had returned to pre-COVID levels by February 2021.
Also read: World Bank prediction on Bangladesh economy inconsistent: Finance Minister“Despite the uncertainty created by COVID-19, the outlook for Bangladesh’s economy is positive. Much of the pace of recovery will depend on how fast mass vaccination can be achieved,” said Mercy Miyang Tembon, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.He said that World Bank will support a resilient recovery, helping Bangladesh achieve green, smart, and inclusive growth.In FY21, growth will be supported by a recovery in manufacturing as export demand strengthens, a rebound in construction supported by accelerating public investment, and robust service sector growth as the vaccination campaign progress. inflation is projected to remain close to Bangladesh Bank’s 5.5 percent target, and the fiscal deficit is projected to remain at 6 percent of GDP.But the report said that risks to the outlook remain elevated. A fragile global economic recovery could dampen demand for RMG products and limit job opportunities for migrant workers.The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial sector risks stemming from nonperforming loans and weaknesses in bank governance and risk management.It also mentioned that improving logistics performance could help accelerate the recovery and improve competitiveness.The report outlined opportunities to modernize the logistics system to ensure business continuity and build resilience.
Also read: WB projects 1.6 pc GDP growth for Bangladesh in 2020-21This can be achieved through a system-wide strategy to increase logistics efficiency; improve the quality, capacity, and management of infrastructure; improve the quality and integration of logistics services; and, achieve a seamless integration of regional logistics services.“The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global recession,” said Bernard Haven, World Bank Senior Economist, and co-author of the report.He said that protecting households affected by the pandemic remains an urgent priority, while structural reforms can help accelerate the recovery.The Bangladesh Development Update is a companion piece to the South Asia Economic Focus, a twice-a-year World Bank report that examines economic developments and prospects in the South Asia Region, and analyzes policy challenges faced by countries.The Spring 2021 edition titled South Asia Vaccinates, launched on March 31, 2021, shows that economic activity in South Asia is bouncing back, but growth is uneven, recovery remains fragile, and the economic outlook is precarious.The report also focuses on the different dimensions of vaccine deployment and provides a cost-benefit analysis of vaccination in the region.
US focuses on Myanmar issues; lauds Bangladesh's extraordinary generosity
John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Friday said the US remains very focused on helping all concerned in finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis and restoring democracy in Myanmar.
He appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership in demonstrating an "extraordinary active generosity" which, he thinks, is obviously “very expensive” for Bangladesh.
Kerry made the remarks while responding to a question at a joint briefing at State guesthouse Padma after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin, Saber Hossain Chowdhy, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Special Envoy for the Vulnerable Forum Presidency Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller were present.
Kerry said what is happening to the people of Myanmar now is one of the greatest challenges of the planet, and the Biden Administration is very grateful for the incredible spirit and helping hand that Bangladesh has given to the Rohingyas.
He said the global community needs to help and step up efforts as this is not a responsibility for Bangladesh alone.
Kerry said this is really one of those things under the UN but noted that individual countries are stepping up which is helpful.
Also read: Climate Change: Biden's administration urged to take genuine leadership role
“I know that we fought very hard and tried to see Myanmar moving in a different direction. We had high expectations. I personally visited Naypyidaw and met with the generals,” he said, recalling that they had tried very hard to ensure accountability but have not honored that.