Amid the recent dengue outbreak, both rural and urban life has been disrupted. Numbers of cases and fatalities are rising day by day. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has recorded 24,000 dengue cases till July this year. But, the situation might worsen in the months of August and September, said health experts. According to World health Organization, dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. So prevention is the best way to control the disease. Symptoms of Dengue *High fever *Severe body aches *Headache *Pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting *Mild bleeding Severe Symptoms of Dengue In 2023, dengue seems to be different than other times. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been mentioned some symptoms. *Belly pain, tenderness *Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours) *Bleeding from the nose or gums *Vomiting blood or blood in the stool When we should go to Doctor World Health Organization (WHO) said, dengue has been ranked one of the top 10 global public health threats. On July 16, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) warned that, the infection rate could expose Bangladesh to a national crisis. Experts urged people to consult a doctor in case of any physical illness. They also said that mosquito killing and personal precautions are important to deal with dengue. So the question is, when we should go to doctor or hospital? DGHS said, the people, who suffer from fever, must visit hospitals for dengue test after taking advices of physicians. If someone is facing 104 degrees body temperature, severe headache, pain behind eyes, pain in body muscles and joints, frequent vomiting, nasal gland swelling and body rash, then he/she must be going to doctor. How to Prevent Dengue There is no specific treatment for dengue. But it can be prevented through effective vector control initiatives and proper sanitation in your own home. *Keep you house clean. *Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants inside and outside *Invest in a mosquito net *Dispose of waste properly *Drain and clean your roof gutters  *Apply mosquito repellent all over your body  

Although the prevalence of Covid-19 is now relatively lower in Bangladesh, it will surge during the winter months, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. "As of now, the Covid-19 pandemic has been tackled successfully due to the farsighted role of the government -- timely decisions and skilled management. Right now, its prevalence is slightly lower, but experts fear it might spike in the coming winter. By the time, the second wave has started in Europe and America," she said. The Prime Minister said this while answering a tabled question from ruling party MP (Chattogram-4) Didarul Alam in Parliament during the PM's question-answer session. She said the government has taken massive preparations to face the second wave of the virus and infection during the winter. "To prevent the surge during the winter, directives have been given for adopting ‘no mask, no service policy’. Screening at the entry points of the country is on, while 14-day quarantine has been made mandatory for everyone coming from abroad. Programmes are going on as per the planning to control the Covid-19," she said. The Prime Minister also mentioned that an agreement has been signed with Serum Institute of India, Beximco Pharma and the government to import three crores of vaccine. Replying to a question from ruling party MP AKM Rahmatullah, she said the government has been able to manage financing for emergency periods from development partner countries. Hasina mentioned that Japan is providing Tk 2,720 crore while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) USD 600 million. For procuring coronavirus vaccine and medical equipment, the  ADB is providing USD 30 lakh while the World Bank has given USD 105 crore for employment during the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the government has received 110 million Euro from the European Union for the RMG sector, while Germany and the European Union have pledged to provide 113 million Euro as assistance for the RMG and Leather Industry and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) approved USD 100 million loan for Bangladesh. Replying to Jatiya Party MP Fakhrul Imam, Hasina said law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the police, are discharging their duties round the clock through mutual coordination to take appropriate lawful steps against those involved in violence and destructive acts. Source: UNB AH

The government fears that there may be a second wave contraction of coronavirus in the country at the end of October and throughout November. In this regard Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take all sorts of preparation based on the experienced gathered. The direction of the premier came in at the discussion of cabinet meeting as additional issue. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the virtual meeting. Later Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam briefed the newsmen about the decisions taken in the meeting at a press conference held at secretariat. He mentioned that an inter-ministerial meeting has been called on Tuesday. Emphasis was given on creating awareness for wearing masks from that meeting. Direction was given to disseminate information from the mosques during Johr and Magrib prayer times in this regard. It was informed that by this time awareness programs have been chalked out through district information offices. It also informed that concerned ministry will take decision to reopen educational institutions. It was informed in the meeting that a medical university will be set up in Khulna and in this regard the draft law named Sheikh Hasina Medical University, Khulna was approved in the meeting. AH         

The number of people infected with the new virus charged toward 100,000 Friday, with the global scare upending routines, threatening livelihoods and prompting quarantines in its spread. Asian shares were down following a rough day on Wall Street and the consequences of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, were becoming clear to people around the world. Halted travel and a broader economic downturn linked to the outbreak threatened to hit already-struggling communities for months to come. "Who is going to feed their families?" asked Elias al-Arja, the head of a hotel owners' union in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where tourists have been banned and the storied Church of the Nativity shuttered. The head of the U.N.'s food agency, the World Food Program, warned of the potential of "absolute devastation" as the outbreak's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East. Across the West, there was a sense of déjà vu as the virus' spread prompted scenes that already played out in Asia, with workers foregoing offices, vigorous sanitizing in public places and runs on household basics. Even the spectacle of a cruise ship ordered to stay at sea off the California coast over virus fears replicated ones weeks ago on the other side of the globe. "The Western world is now following some of China's playbook," said Chris Beauchamp, a market analyst at the financial firm IG. Signs of the virus' shift away from its origins in China were becoming clearer each day. China reported 143 new cases Friday, the same as a day earlier and about one-third what the country was seeing a week ago. Just a month ago, China was reporting several thousand new cases a day, outnumbering infections elsewhere in the world about 120 to 1. The problem has now flipped, with the outbreak moving to Europe — where Italy, Germany and France had the most cases — and beyond. The second hardest-hit country, South Korea, was also registering a notable decline in new infections and the World Health Organization's leader said he was seeing "encouraging signs" there. South Korea reported 505 additional cases Friday, down from a high of 851 on Tuesday. The country has touted its "remarkable diagnostic and treatment abilities" but its vice health minister, Kim Gang-lip, said, "It's not easy to make predictions about how the situation ... would play out." Cases were increasing in Germany and France, but Italy remained the center of Europe's outbreak, particularly in its north. The country has had 148 fatalities, making it the deadliest site for the virus outside China. The Italian government restricted visits to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to protect older people who have been more vulnerable to succumbing to COVID-19. But with schools closed nationwide, many grandparents were called to duty as last-minute babysitters anyway. The Vatican said it was working with Italian authorities to keep the coronavirus from spreading in its tiny city-state, with a suspension of Pope Francis' weekly audiences seen likely. Iran's government planned to set up checkpoints to limit travel and urged people to stop using paper money as the country has counted more than 3,500 cases and at least 107 deaths. And in the United States, more than 230 cases were stirring anxiety around the country, nowhere more than its northwestern corner in Washington state, where officials are so concerned about having space to care for the sick they were expected to close a $4 million deal Friday to take over a roadside motel. The plan to turn the 84-room EconoLodge into a quarantine facility was not sitting well with everyone, including the police chief in the town where it's located, who called it "ill-advised and dangerous" and warned security would be needed to keep people from leaving the hotel and infecting others. To the south, on the Pacific coast, California National Guard paratroopers were hoisted down from a military helicopter to deliver virus test kits to the bow of the Grand Princess cruise ship. The vessel, with 3,500 aboard, was ordered to stay at sea after a traveler from its previous voyage died of the coronavirus and at least four others were infected. The cruise line said samples were collected from 45 passengers and crew members and results were expected later Friday. The Grand Princess is operated by the same line as the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined at a Japanese port last month. More than 700 people on board were infected. Source: AP/UNB AH

The price of oil surged Friday as global investors were gripped with uncertainty over the potential repercussions after the United States killed Iran's top general. News that Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed in an air attack at the Baghdad international airport prompted expectations of Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets. In previous flare-ups in tensions with the U.S., Iran has threatened the supply of oil that travels from the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. About 20% of oil traded worldwide goes through the Strait of Hormuz, where the shipping lane is only 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide and tankers have come under attack this year. The international benchmark for crude oil jumped 4.1%, or $2.70, to $68.95 a barrel in London trading. "Revenge will come, maybe not overnight but it will come and until then we need to increase the geopolitical risk premium," said Olivier Jakob, head of consultancy Petromatrix, in a note to investors. He noted that Iran's response may not be limited to the Strait of Hormuz. In September, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched drone attacks on the world's largest oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia. The strike briefly took out about half of the supplies from the world's largest oil exporter. The U.S. directly blamed Iran, which denied any involvement. Launching attacks that can't be easily linked back to Iran limits the chances of direct retaliation. But Iran has also directly targeted tankers. This year it seized a British-flagged tanker, the Stena Impero, for several weeks. And it has shot down a U.S. military drone. About 80% of the crude oil that goes through the Strait of Hormuz goes to countries in Asia, including China, Japan, India and South Korea. But the rise in the global price of oil will affect other countries more widely, particularly oil-importing countries with big manufacturing sectors like Germany and Italy. Those countries fared worst in the stock market on Friday, with their main indexes falling 1.4% and 1.1% respectively. Source: AP/UNB AH

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman said, the cyclone ‘Bulbul’may hit south-western region of Bangladesh from evening to midnight on Saturday. But there is no fear of massive damage except for crops due to influence of the cyclone. Shelter centers are prepared in seven coastal districts of south-western region to face the damage of life and properties influenced by the cyclone. The State Minister said these to the newsmen after holding preparation meeting at the secretariat on Friday. Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman said, to face the damage 56 thousand volunteers are ready at the district and upazila level. People will be moved to the shelter centers considering the situation. Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barguna, Patuakhali, Pirozpur and Bhola districts are considered as risky. There are also preparations to shift the people to shelter centers of the seven districts. By this time each shelter center were provided two thousand packets of dry food. The severe cyclone ‘Bulbul’ created in Bay of Bengal is heading towards the coast with maximum wind speed of 125 kilometers. It is heading towards the Sundarbans. The State Minister also said, there is a fear of five to seven feet tidal wave in the coastal areas caused by the cyclone considering its approaching tendency. By this time leave of the officials of concerned ministry, district and upazila administration has been cancelled. Concerned officers of the ministry, division and directorate were present at the press conference. AH  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, there is no fear regarding the Eid journey of this year. Do not create traffic jam by plying fitness less vehicles on roads. He said these at a preparation meeting on Eid journey at Roads and Highways Directorate at Tejgaon in the capital on Thursday. The Bridges Minister said, in this year on the eve of Eid the Prime Minister gifted bridges, flyovers and underpasses on two important highways to the countrymen. As a result the Eid journey will be comfortable. He said, after inaugurating Meghna and Gumti bridges easy road communication is ensured between Chattogram and Dhaka. Now it is possible to go Chattogram from Dhaka within four and half hour. The eternal traffic jam has been reduced due to construction of flyover and underpass on Dhaka-Tangail highway. It is a milestone for road communication. But he mentioned that there may be some sufferings from Joydevpur to Dhaka airport part and said that if vehicles would ply abiding by the rules then there will be no sufferings. The minister informed that CNG stations were directed to remain open 24 hours during Eid and said, order was given to stop movement of trucks and lorries before and after Eid so that passenger laden buses can ply safely. Obaidul Quader also urged roads and highways directorate officers to discharge their duties in the night and even on Eid day if necessary. He said, you will work for the sake of country and people. Ensure safe home going of people. It is your duty. AH   

Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit Chief of Bangladesh police Monirul Islam said, the whole world at present is under risk of militant attack. On pretext of global risk, Bangladesh is under the risk but there is no fear of attack. So far we have no information of threat or attack in the country. He said these while discussing with the newsmen at his Mintu road office on Saturday. Monirul Islam said, a retaliatory tendency has risen among the militant organization in our country after the New Zealand attack. We have gathered some information through intelligence sources. But it needs much time to collect the equipments to originate an attack. Their organizational capacity has broken down following our different drives. Certainly they are inspired after the attacks in Sri Lanka. But they have not the organizational framework, will power and equipments to carry out attack. About interrogation of 11 deported workers from Sri Lanka he said, 11 Bangladeshi workers who were forced to leave Sri Lanka after the series attack, were interrogated. We have so far not found their involvement in the incident. Monirul Islam said, there is no scope to take legal action against the 11 workers if involvement is found. They were working there in a brass factory. Most of them are from Tangail district. The police officer said, those 11 persons went in Sri Lanka under tourist visas. They had no work permit. The factory owner Ibrahim Insaf was killed in the suicide attack. Sri Lankan police have identified that he was among the attackers. For that reason the Bangladeshi workers were deported. Workers from other countries were also there. They were also sent back. AH      

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held procession on Dhaka University campus after long nine years. They held the procession with seven-point demand on Thursday morning. The central leaders of the student front also handed over memorandum to the Vice Chancellor (VC). The leaders and activists of JCD gathered in front of DU VC’s office at around 11 am to hand over memorandum to the VC. Later a five member delegation led by JCD central council president Rajib Hasan and general secretary Akramul Hasan handed over the memorandum. Then the leaders and activists of JCD central and DU unit brought out a rally from there. Keeping ahead the DUCSU election the student organization joined the university Paribesh Parishad meeting. After that meeting Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) general secretary Golam Rabbani invited the JCD regular students for tea party at the Madhu’s Canteen and also assured of coexistence in the campus. For that reason the student organization held the rally with a bit of fear less mind. In the memorandum to the VC the JCD men said that JCD think that Dhaka University can regain its lost glorious tradition through holding DUCSU election in free, impartial, fair and fearless environment. The memorandum also said, JCD welcomes the initiatives taken for holding DU central students union and hall council election after long 28 years. We also know that several attempts were taken in the 29 years to hold DUCSU election, even schedule was declared but the initiatives turned into failure due to lack of coordination from the administration and active students organizations. In the memorandum demand was upheld to shift the election for three months to create environment for coexistence in the campus so that the initiatives do not turn into failure. JCD held their previous rally on the DU campus in January 2010. But that rally on January 18 came under attack by BCL activists. At that time JCD president Sultan Salauddin Tuku and some other leaders and activists were injured. But after that JCD men were not seen to hold procession. Meanwhile, the activities of DUCSU are going to begin after 28 years. On January 23 DU VC Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman declared the date for DUCSU and hall council elections. According to the declared schedule the election will be held on March 11. AH     

United States Ambassador appointed in Dhaka Earl Robert Miller said, we (US) want that a free, fair, acceptable, participatory and peaceful election will be held in Bangladesh. The reports that we are watching on violence, we are concerned over that. Our stance in this regard is that- violence must be condemnable and it should be avoided. He said these to the newsmen after a courtesy call to the BNP leaders at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital on Tuesday. Miller said that he wants to see an environment free of fear and terror in the coming election. Miller said, United States thinks that election method will not be active until all cannot participate in the election process equally. So I will encourage all to participate in election process in democratic way. We urge all to participate in election campaign freely. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, discussion was held on present election environment and situation. You have heard that- he wants to see an election free of fear and terror, he wants to see an acceptable, participatory, fair, free and neutral election. It is their prime desire. After talking to the BNP leaders it was known that the matters of cases filed against BNP’s imprisoned Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the arrests of opposition leaders-activists including paddy sheaf nominated candidates were upheld in the meeting. Earlier, the new US Ambassador reached at the BNP Chairperson’s office at around 12:45 pm. Party executive member Tabith Awal welcomed him at the office. After holding the meeting the Ambassador spoke to the newsmen at around 2 pm. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, vice chairman Abdul Awal Mintu, Chairperson’s advisory council member Sabih Uddin Ahmed and executive committee member Tabith Awal were present in the meeting. Earlier on Monday the newly appointed US Ambassador Earl Robert Miller met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. AH