Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the US visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals have no justification and questioned why the US is trying to impose visa sanctions from nowhere. "That is my question, why are they trying to impose visa sanctions from nowhere? If they (US) talk about human rights or voting rights, then it's we, the Awami League, who fought for the voting rights of the people of Bangladesh. Many of our men shed their blood to ensure voting rights," she told an interview with Voice of America (VOA) in Washington DC on September 27. BSS Reports VOA Bangla's chief Shatarupa Barua interviewed the Prime Minister during her visit to Washington DC. The international media outlet published reports and aired the interview on its website today. On 22 September, the US announced imposing visa restrictions on some Bangladeshi individuals. The country announced the new visa policy for Bangladesh on May 24. Earlier in December 2021, the US slapped sanctions on seven officials of Bangladesh elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) which is credited with successfully curbing militancy and terrorism in the country.

China is sticking to a zero-Covid strategy to stamp out virus clusters, but harsh lockdowns have battered the economy. The government mouthpiece has called on Beijing to stay the course. China is sticking to a zero-Covid strategy to stamp out virus clusters, but harsh lockdowns have battered the economy. The government mouthpiece has called on Beijing to stay the course. Crowds of people in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou crashed through barriers and marched down streets in protest against strict coronavirus containment measures. Videos posted on social media showed people overturning a police vehicle in the Haizhu district late on Monday. "It was quite tense out there last night. Everyone made sure their doors were locked," said a Guangzhou resident who uses the name Chet and lives about a kilometer from where the protest took place. On Tuesday, China reported 17,772 new infections on Monday, up from 16,072 a day earlier and the most since April. Haizhu accounts for the bulk of Guangzhou's Covid-19 cases Guangzhou itself accounted for more than 5,000 new infections on Monday. Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from other provinces are employed in the textile industry in the Haizhu district and they have been complaining about the hard lockdowns. Officials announced the first snap lockdown there in late October, targeting dozens of residential neighborhoods. And on Monday, a lockdown order covering nearly two-thirds of the district was extended until Wednesday night. China's zero Covid policy China continues to pursue a strict zero-Covid strategy with lockdowns, daily mass testing, strict controls, contact tracing, and forced quarantine. Chinese consumer spending contracted in October and factory activity weakened, government data showed. Retail sales sank 0.5% compared with a year ago, down from September's 2.5% expansion, as millions of people were confined to their homes. On Tuesday The People's Daily, the Communist Party's flagship newspaper, said in an editorial that China must "unswervingly implement'' the zero-Covid policy. Local party officials are under immense pressure to curb new outbreaks.

France has lifted restrictions on Bangladesh and decided to consider it a 'Green' listed country with regards to COVID-19. The French Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Interior said the decision came into effect from March 3, 2022, a handout said in Dhaka today. France considers those countries as 'green' with negligible or moderate circulation of the virus and absence of an emerging variant of concern, whereas the 'orange' listed countries are those, which are experiencing active circulation of the virus, in the absence of an emerging variant of concern and showing no vaccine or immune escape. By dint of the latest decision by the French government, travelers from Bangladesh who got vaccinated with vaccines of BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxevria/Covishield), and Johnson & Johnson will no more be required to have tests to arrive in France and depart from France. A proof of a complete vaccination schedule will be sufficient to arrive in France from Bangladesh. On the other hand, for unvaccinated travelers from Bangladesh, the obligation to present a negative test (RT-PCR) to travel to France will remain effective. However, the measures on arrival in France (test, isolation) are lifted when they come from countries like Bangladesh which are on the 'green' list. Bangladesh Embassy in Paris had been pursuing with the concerned French authorities to de-list Bangladesh from the restricted countries in light of the satisfactory improvement of COVID-19 situation in Bangladesh. Source: BSS AH

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam today (Sunday) said the government has decided not to extend the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions from February 22.    "A clear instruction was given to open schools (secondary and higher educational institutions) from February 22 while primary schools on March 1 as no new Covid-19 restrictions will be imposed, but all will have to be sincere in wearing masks," he said while briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting.    Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban while her cabinet colleagues were present at the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat.    The cabinet secretary said the authorities concerned were instructed to ensure so that everyone uses masks in any programme and gathering.    Noting that a programme was taken to vaccinate one crore people on February 26 next across the country, he said the Cabinet requested the media to circulate its news massively.    He said the field administration including DCs, SPs and Civil Surgeons as well as mayors, chairmen, other local government representatives and men of political parties were asked to campaign massively so none would remain out of the vaccination coverage after February 26.    Besides, the Health Ministry is mulling to vaccinate the children aged under 12, gathering experiences from other countries.    On January 13 last, the government imposed 11-point Covid-19 restrictions till February 7 amid the growing concern over the transmission of Omicron, a new variant of coronavirus, in the country. Later the restrictions were extended till February 21. Source: BSS AH

    Fresh restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities at the Chaman border with Afghanistan have adversely affected the movement of ordinary people between the two countries, a media report said. The border official is allowing people only those with legal documents to enter the country, according to American broadcaster. "New restrictions imposed by Pakistani authorities at the Chaman border with Afghanistan has adversely effected the movement of ordinary people between the two countries, residents say. Pakistani border officials say only those with legal documents are allowed to cross the border," said Voice of America (VOA) DEEWA in a tweet on Tuesday. Chaman is one of two main border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the second crossing present in the north at Torkham. Earlier, Pakistan had closed its border with Afghanistan citing security concerns. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated drastically since the Taliban took control of Kabul last year in mid-August. A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban, have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis. Source: ANI

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

The public life has returned to a ‘new normal’ as the government lifted most of the Covid-19 restrictions from today (Wednesday) allowing all offices, industrial factories and shopping malls to run in full swing maintaining the health protocols. The government, however, instructed the public transport owners to ply half of their total number of vehicles daily, allowing those to carry passengers at their full capacity. On the first day of the ‘new normal’, all offices, shopping malls and makeshift markets across the country became vibrant as a huge number of people joined their workplaces while many others went to receive services after a long Covid-19 strict restrictions. The capital city got back its usual hectic scenario as the officials of all the government, semi-government and non-government offices, autonomous bodies, banks and financial institutions and workers of informal sectors simultaneously went out of home in the morning for their respective workplaces. The city roads were seen very busy with a huge number of public and private transports from early morning after 19 days as the government had imposed nationwide strict restrictions from July 23 to August 5, which was later extended till August 10, in a bid to stem the Covid-19 spread. The city roads witnessed huge traffic congestion while police were seen busy in controlling the traffic in different areas of the capital.   Earlier, the government enforced the nationwide strict restrictions from July 1 for a week, which was later extended for another week till July 14. But it was relaxed for eight days from July 15 to 22 marking the Eid-ul-Azha. The government, however, issued a notification on August 8 easing the strict restriction, considering the overall condition of the country that took the public life to a ‘new normal’, the term emerged following the Covid-19 pandemic that means the public life would be like the pre-pandemic manner. As per the notification, all the government, semi-government and non-government offices, autonomous bodies, banks and financial institutions will remain open following health safety guidelines and other rules issued by the government. Bangladesh Supreme Court will issue necessary instructions for its subordinate courts.   Public transports can carry passengers within their respective capacities on highways, rail routes and waterways. Regarding the transport movement on highways, the local administrations (divisional commissioners in city corporation areas and deputy commissioners at district level) can allow half of their total public transports to run. Shopping malls, markets and other shops will remain open every day from 10 am to 8 pm. All the industries and factories will also remain open. Keeping half seats vacant, hotels and restaurants will remain open from 10 am to 8 pm. Mask use must be ensured at all levels following health safety protocols. If any negligence is found in maintaining the health guidelines in public transport and different offices, markets and bazars, legal actions will be taken against the violators. Considering the overall condition of the country, the notification said, the ongoing strict restrictions were relaxed to keep the country's socioeconomic activities smooth. Source: BSS AH

The government will relax the ongoing strict restrictions on different matters including public movement and transports, which was imposed to check the spread of coronavirus pandemic, from July 15 to 22 on conditions. The Cabinet Division will issue a notification to this end tomorrow, said an official handout today (Monday). But strict restrictions will again be imposed from July 23. Source: BSS AH

To curb the spread of the corona virus, the government has issued a notification imposing restrictions on the overall activities and public movement.   The instructions will be applicable for the overall activities and public movement from 8 am tomorrow (July 1) to midnight on July 7.   The notification was issued by the Field Admin Coordinating Wing of the Cabinet Division today.   It is said that in view of the current situation of Covid-19 infection, the following conditions have been imposed from 8 am on July 1 to midnight on July 7:      All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will remain closed.   Public transport will be closed on road, rail and waterways (including domestic flights) alongside all types of motorized vehicles.   All shops including shopping mall or market will be closed.   All tourist centers, resorts, community centers and recreation centers will be closed.   Public gatherings such as social ceremony (wedding , reception and walima, birthdays, picnics and parties), political and religious ceremonies will be closed.   The Bangladesh Supreme Court has issued necessary directions to the courts while Bangladesh Bank has issued necessary instructions to ensure banking services.   Employees and vehicles of offices related to Law and order and emergency services, such as: agricultural products and materials (fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and agricultural machinery), transportation of food grains and foodstuffs, relief distribution, healthcare, ensuring Covid-19 vaccination, revenue collection related activities, electricity, water, gas or fuel, fire service, telephone and internet (public-private), media (print and electronic media), private security systems, postal services, banks, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals and other essential or essential goods and services can travel subject to display of identity card.   Trucks, lorries or covered vans or cargo vessels used for transporting goods will be exempt from the ban.   Ports (air, sea, naval and land) and related offices shall be excluded from the purview of it.   Industries will continue to operate their own activities following hygiene rules.   'Kacha bazaar' and daily necessities can be bought and sold in open places from 9 am to 5 pm in accordance with hygiene rules and the concerned trade organization or market authority and local administration will monitor the matter.   No one can go outside homes in any way except for urgent needs (purchase of medicines and necessities, medical services, burial or cremation). Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the instructions.   Individuals can travel for vaccination subject to display of vaccination card.   Food shops, hotels and restaurants will be able to sell food (online or takeaway) from 8 am to 8 pm.   International flights will remain open and foreign passengers will be able to travel using the car by displaying their international travel tickets.   The Ministry of Religious Affairs will give instructions regarding prayers in the mosque following the hygiene rules.   Armed Forces will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrols at the field level under the 'Army in Aid to Civil Power' provision. The district magistrate will contact the local army commander to confirm the matter.   The district magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method and time and patrol of Army, BGB, Police, RAB and Ansar.   Besides, if any special activities is needed locally, the concerned person will take action in that regard and the concerned ministries or departments will provide necessary instructions in this regard at the field level.   The Ministry of Public Administration will ensure the appointment of the required number of executive magistrates at the field level.   The Director General of Directorate General of Health Services will empower the district administration and the police force to take legal action on his behalf. Source: BSS AH

The government has taken decision to enforce a seven-day countrywide strict restrictions since July 1, engaging the Armed Forces, BGB and Battalion Police aiming to check the coronavirus transmission. “There’ll be no movement pass . . . None can go outside rather they will have to stay indoors,” Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam briefed newsmen today (Monday) emerging from the weekly Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting held at the Cabinet room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The Cabinet Secretary said a notification will be issued on Tuesday to inform the government’s orders regarding the restrictions. “We’re going in a very strict view to execute the movement restrictions from 6am on July 1 to 12am on July 7,” he said, replying to a question from reporters. Only those who are in emergency services are allowed in outside during the restriction, he added. Mentioning that all forces including the Armed Forces, BGB and Battalion Police will be engaged here, Anwarul Islam said, “They (forces) will patrol and take legal action if anyone violates (the restriction).” The forces have given the authority to take all necessary measures to executive the restriction and asked to remain alert so that people cannot break it, he said. In the cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief was given a clear directive to sort out a programme to ensure proper assistances for the poor particularly in the urban areas during the upcoming restriction as it did in the last year, he said. Mentioning that a meeting was held with the Home Minister in the chair on Saturday last to discuss about the restrictions, he said they will sit in a meeting again to discuss about the restrictions details and then the government’s orders will be informed through issuing a notification on Tuesday. He said the government cannot go for a strict restriction till 30 June on some realistic grounds. So, it will start on July 1, he added. Anwarul Islam said the Covid infection rate has declined significantly in Chapainawabganj due to strict execution of the restrictions there. Source: BSS AH