Bangladesh Railway has suspended the operation of six intercity trains to avoid sabotage during the ongoing blockade.  A railway source confirmed the information on Friday (Dce 22). According to sources, the trains that run at night and the routes where the risky spots are high will be temporarily closed.  Meanwhile, the Western Railway authorities have suspended the operation of the Uttara Express from Rajshahi to Parbatipur and the commuter train from Ishwardi to Rahanpur. The Dhaka Railway Divisional Office will hold a press conference at Kamalapur Railway Station at 3pm on Friday to give details in this regard. In the last one and a half months, 12 places on the railway track and five trains have been set on fire.  In addition, railway tracks were cut and fishplate clips were removed at three places. Among the six zones under the railway police, the incidents of sabotage are highest in the Dhaka region.  

Many people suffer from mental distress when their hair becomes gray at young age. Hair loss is a natural process in the human life cycle. Hair loss occurs at different ages depends on Ethnicities. For example: In Caucasians, hair loss starts at the age of 20-25 years. It usually starts after the age of 30 in people of Indian origin. Graying of hair before this age is called Premature hair graying. Skin color is mainly determined by a pigment called melanin. If the melanin is high, the skin color is relatively black, and if it is low, then the skin color is relatively white. Hair color is determined by the melanin production capacity of the base of the skin where the hair grows from. Hair loss occurs when melanin production is reduced or destroyed due to any kind of reason. Some common causes of hair graying are- Hair graying has a genetic link. That's why some people's hair starts graying earlier than others. Thyroid problems, immune system diseases, white hair, allergies, digestive system diseases, anemia, progeria and pangeria etc. also cause hair graying at an early age. Deficiency of vitamin B-12, B-6, biotin, vitamin D-3, vitamin E, iron and copper in the body can cause premature hair graying. Certain medicines used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment, medicines for malaria etc. cause temporary hair graying. Studies have shown that excessive tension affects the growth and formation process of hair. Apart from this, excessive drinking and smoking can also cause premature hair graying. Remedies of hair graying Hair graying can be prevented by treatment. A balanced diet should be taken to meet the deficiency of food elements. Fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. Adequate sleep and control or abstinence from alcohol and smoking. However, the hair graying process cannot be prevented due to genetics.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said sustained political will and action are needed to prevent the anti-microbial resistance (AMR) from turning into a big crisis. "AMR is a problem that can turn into a crisis. It can cost millions of lives worldwide. We need sustained political will and action to prevent it from happening," she said. So, there is no alternative to creating mass awareness about AMR, she added. The premier made these remarks at the outset of breakfast meeting on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) at Lexington Hotel in New York. From this Global Leadership Group, she said that they have been working on highlighting the issue and it is evident that more needs to be done. "The strategic priorities are well identified. We have to make sure that they are duly implemented. They need to be anchored in a 'One Health' approach," she added. Mentioning that nearly 150 countries already have their National Action Plans on AMR, Sheikh Hasina said "Meaningful support is needed to implement them in low and middle income countries." She said AMR should gain prominence in international development cooperation and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund, set up in 2019, can be the preferred instrument. "A robust investment case for AMR needs to be made at global and national levels", she added. Surveillance is key to understanding the AMR burden and response to it, the Prime Minister said adding that from Bangladesh, they have been reporting to GLASS Platform since 2019. She continued that engagement of all concerned stakeholders is a must and a patient-centered approach remains critical. "Early diagnosis can be ensured through links with primary health care systems," she added. Mentioning that a major cause for concern is the lack of research and innovation of new AMR vaccines and other treatments, Sheikh Hasina said  "The private sector needs proper incentives for the purpose." There are risks for AMR to develop for some critical pathogens, she said, adding that  the evidence and data gathered on this are quite eye-opening. The head of government said there is no alternative to creating mass awareness about AMR and the annual global awareness week in November is a suitable occasion for that, she added. Sheikh Hasina opined reporting on those indicators can help develop AMR policies affecting human health, animal health, food systems and the environment. She hoped that this morning’s meeting is being held to create further political momentum against AMR and all wish to hear and benefit from expert's thoughts and insights. Source: BSS AH

Owing to the rise in threat of terrorism, India called for effective implementation of the UN action plan to prevent illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Notably, the Eighth Biennial Meeting of States on the implementation of the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and the International Tracing Instrument for illicit SALW was held in New York from June 27 to July 1, 2022. During the meeting, India emphasized the importance of full and effective implementation of the UN Program of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, particularly their significance in dealing with the threat of terrorism as an important global challenge. India urged strengthening the implementation of these instruments, including through improved national efforts in controlling illicit trade in SALW, and developing a mechanism for tracing of illicit SALW, to make it more effective. India also underlined the importance of international cooperation and assistance, particularly support to developing countries in the implementation of these instruments and a fellowship program for them. The outcome document of the Eighth Biennial Meeting recognized the adverse effects of illicit arms trade in exacerbating terrorism and emphasized the role of these UN instruments in addressing the threat posed by terrorism. It also affirmed the resolve of States to enforce and apply adequate national controls to the entire lifecycle of SALW. States also agreed to strengthen tracing measures for illicit small arms and explore means for enhancing international cooperation in tracing them with the involvement of the UN. The meeting considered the implications of recent technological developments in the field of SALW, illicit trafficking concerns and ways to address their aggravating effects on the instruments. Towards the fourth review conference in 2024, the outcome document agreed on a comprehensive analysis of trends, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of these two UN instruments and consider recommendations on their effective implementation. The meeting adopted an outcome document aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Program of Action as well as the International Tracing Instrument against illicit trafficking of SALW. Source: ANI

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an alert at all ports -- land, air and sea -- for combating the spread of monkeypox in the country.  The health alert was issued in a circular yesterday, signed by Prof Nazmul Islam, Director (Disease Control) at the Directorate General of Health Services. "Surveillance and health screening for passengers arriving from countries with monkeypox cases must be strengthened at all international airports, sea ports land ports," the circular added.  According to the BBC, more than 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in at least 12 countries. The World Health Organization has said another 50 suspected cases are being investigated - without naming any countries - and warned that more cases are likely to be reported. Infections have been confirmed in nine European countries, as well as the USA, Canada and Australia. Monkeypox is most common in remote parts of Central and West Africa. It is a rare viral infection which is usually mild and from which most people recover in a few weeks, according to the UK's National Health Service. The virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the wider public is said to be very low. There is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, but a smallpox jab offers 85% protection since the two viruses are quite similar. Source: BSS AH

As the country witnessed a sharp rising of COVID-19 cases due to highly transmissible variant Omicron since mid- January, the Cabinet Division today (Thursday) issued fresh restrictions coinciding already issued restrictions to combat the outbreak of the deadly virus. The restrictions will remain effective from February 7 to February 21, a notification issued by the Cabinet Division. The new restrictions are as follows: 1. The government has banned all religious, political, social and state programmes at open and indoor places with participation of more than 100 people. Participants must obtain vaccination certificates/ RT-PCR Covid-19 test reports performed within 24 hours. 2. In-person classes of all schools and colleges and equivalent educational institutions will remain suspended, it added The government issued five point restrictions on January 21 revising earlier 11-ponit restrictions, which were imposed January 10 as part of precautionary measures to curb the lethal virus. The fresh wave, however, is reported from across the globe following the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus from South Africa on November 25, 2021 and was first detected in Bangladesh on December 11. According to World Health Organization (WHO) the COVID-19 situation could be considered to be under control if the infection rate remains within 5 percent for a straight four-week period. Under the WHO standard Bangladesh remained well below the danger line for over three months but authorities issued a fresh alert on November 27, 2021 for Bangladesh after the outbreak of the highly contagious new variant. WHO has declared the omicron as a "variant of concern". Since late January, 2022, COVID-19 positive cases continued to exceed 10,000- mark with ranging more than 25 to over 33 percent positivity rate. On January 28, Bangladesh posted highest COVID-19 positivity rate in a single day since the pandemic began on March 8, 2020 as it reported 33.37 percent positive cases from 46,268 samples test. . The highest infection rate in Bangladesh was 32.55 on July 24, 2021, the DGHS added. On February 2, 2022, Bangladesh reported 12,193 Covid-19 cases while the coronavirus claimed overnight 36 lives. Source: BSS AH

Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen said that different occurrences are being staged in a planned way in the Rohingya camps to prevent Rohingya repatriation. He said this to the newsmen at a program in Sylhet on Friday. Meanwhile, six people were killed following infighting between the two rival groups at the Rohingya shelter camps at Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar in the early hours of Friday. Seven more people were injured in the incident. One Mujibur Rahman was detained along with fire arms in this connection. Drives are also underway to detain other culprits. The Foreign Minister said, Rohingya repatriation process is going on. Those who do not want repatriation may stage the incident. He minister also informed that he was inquiring about the detail information in this regard. Abdul Momen said, a meeting was arranged with the home ministry yesterday to beef up law and order situation in the Rohingya camps and outside of the camps. In this situation this incident is nothing but being panicked. AH     

Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni said, new types of curriculum are going to be prepared to prevent the tendency of getting excess GPA by the students. The actual merit of the students cannot be evaluated through obtaining GPA. She said this while joining a book publishing program virtually organized by the Education Reporters’ Association, Bangladesh (ERAB) on Saturday afternoon. The Education Minister said, at present students are anxious about getting more GPA, there is a competition in this regard. So we are considering to get the students out of this imbalance competition. Environment will be created in the educational institutions for learning. In this way the hidden talent of a student will be expressed and for that necessary curriculum are being prepared. She said, everybody will be driven out of the tendency of getting more GPA. In this regard new textbooks are being created. Our students are learning but they cannot express. There are some reasons behind. Those are being identified and will be solved. The minister continued as saying, no teacher will go to the classroom without obtaining proper training. It will be ensured. Earlier teachers used to get the opportunity of foundation training three to four years after their appointment. It has been changed. AH  

Bangladesh has handed over emergency medical equipments and medicines to India for preventing coronavirus. In the first consignment there were 10 thousand ampoules inject able antiviral-Remdesivir, medical equipments and other medicines. On Thursday Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner appointed in Kolkata handed over the emergency supports to Indian authority at the border port Petrapole. Foreign Ministry sources confirmed the information. The ministry said, corona pandemic has turned into a devastating look in India. Bangladesh has expressed sympathy and regret for the ongoing losses. As close neighbor Bangladesh wants to stand beside India in their bad times. It said, Beximco has offered the assistances to India on behalf of country people. As part of the process 10 thousand vial Remdesivir injections were given to India. AH   

Law Minister Anisul Huq has said that there are effective laws to prevent Jefajat-e-Islam. He said this to the newsmen after taking the corona vaccine shot at Armed Forces Medical College at Kurmitola in the capital on Saturday afternoon. The law minister said, the government will take strict action if they (Hefajate Islam) try to create any harm to people’s properties or lives. He said, I want to make it clear that if anybody tries to create any type of anarchy in the country then this government will take stern action against them. People voted us-Sheikh Hasina to serve them. If anybody tries to create obstacle then legal action will be taken. About his reaction after taking the Covid-19 vaccine shot he said, I see no difference between first and second dose. I express my thanks to them who have vaccinated me. I felt no pain. I have taken the injection with comfort and for that I thank the authority. The law minister said, coronavirus is spreading in the world in a devastating look. Second dose can help us to get rid of infection, I think. We all have the ability to take the second dose. I would also request all to take the second dose. AH