At a time when neighbouring countries are pencilling in new maps with imaginary borders, India's eastern neighbour Bangladesh decides to showcase the strength of ties with India. Our report tells you how.

Bangladesh to build a monument for martyred Indian Soldiers

Large parts of Asia are currently facing a natural crisis as devastating monsoons continue to displace millions and flood large regions.

<h6>A quarter of Bangladesh alone is flooded. Northeastern parts of India too, that lie close to the neighbouring Bangladesh are also currently experiencing a lot of floods, especially Assam. China, too is reeling from major flooding near Wuhan, the original epicentre of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
<img alt="Bangladesh flooding" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05b07fc3-39a5-4cbd-b331-f752eb997d95" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_11.jpg" /> 
Image from June 2, 2020 | Credit: NASA</h6>

Images show the devastation

Images acquired by NASA show the scale of flooding, and were recorded over more than a month between June 2 and July 25. The navy blue and black portion of the map depict the water inundation, while clouds are white. The greenery can be seen in on the images too.

<h6><img alt="Bangladesh floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5bf8a039-22a2-4b92-a660-97a82bf959d2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-5_11.jpg" /> 
Image from July 25, 2020 | Credit: NASA</h6>

Monsoons in Bangladesh are intense, with over 80 per cent rain taking place during the season between June and October. Even though flooding is common during these month, this year’s water damage has been particularly devastating. It is the longest-lasting flooding in Bangladesh in 1988, and has been termed the worst flooding in a decade.

As per data from the flood monitoring agency of Bangladesh on July 31, the Jamuna River is experiencing water levels way above the dangerous level. As a direct result, over 1,500 square kilometres of farming land has been submerged, with over a million homes rendered unusable.

Pre-existing issues add&nbsp;to woes

This has also cut off communication lines in the country, with roads leading to remote and rural areas facing heavy damage.

<h6><img alt="Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b34f57eb-33b0-41e1-9d10-8cc9e2b5fd01" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_10.jpg" /> 
Image from July 25, 2020 | Credit: NASA</h6>

 
Even though the country has protective provisions for embankments and dykes, these have been rendered vulnerable owing to the yearly damage caused by monsoons.

With a recovery cycle of three to five years, the loss is typically more than the measures in place. Given the situation caused by coronavirus, rescue and relief measures have become really difficult. The region also faced Cyclone Amphan in May 20, which caused considerable damage.

As of July 28, at least 100 people had died in flood-related fatalities in Bangladesh, with over four million people being in the direct impact of the inundation.

Large parts of Asia are currently facing a natural crisis as devastating monsoons continue to displace millions and flood large regions. A quarter of Bangladesh alone is flooded.

Large parts of Asia are currently facing a natural crisis as devastating monsoons continue to displace millions and flood large regions. A quarter of Bangladesh alone is flooded. Northeastern parts of India too, that lie close to the neighbouring Bangladesh are also currently experiencing a lot of floods, especially Assam. China, too is reeling from major flooding near Wuhan, the original epicentre of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Image from June 2, 2020 | Credit: NASA Images show the devastation Images acquired by NASA show the scale of flooding, and were recorded over more than a month between June 2 and July 25. The navy blue and black portion of the map depict the water inundation, while clouds are white. The greenery can be seen in on the images too. Image from July 25, 2020 | Credit: NASA Monsoons in Bangladesh are intense, with over 80 per cent rain taking place during the season between June and October. Even though flooding is common during these month, this year’s water damage has been particularly devastating. It is the longest-lasting flooding in Bangladesh in 1988, and has been termed the worst flooding in a decade. As per data from the flood monitoring agency of Bangladesh on July 31, the Jamuna River is experiencing water levels way above the dangerous level. As a direct result, over 1,500 square kilometres of farming land has been submerged, with over a million homes rendered unusable. Pre-existing issues add to woes This has also cut off communication lines in the country, with roads leading to remote and rural areas facing heavy damage. Image from July 25, 2020 | Credit: NASA Even though the country has protective provisions for embankments and dykes, these have been rendered vulnerable owing to the yearly damage caused by monsoons. With a recovery cycle of three to five years, the loss is typically more than the measures in place. Given the situation caused by coronavirus, rescue and relief measures have become really difficult. The region also faced Cyclone Amphan in May 20, which caused considerable damage. As of July 28, at least 100 people had died in flood-related fatalities in Bangladesh, with over four million people being in the direct impact of the inundation.

NASA images show quarter of Bangladesh submerged in devastating floods

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic.

Highlighting that the "festival of Eid ul Azha which is also celebrated in several parts of India" shows "deep historical and cultural links" between both the countries, PM said, "We hope that this festival will further enhance the spirit of peace and tolerance in our respective societies and promote fraternal ties between our two countries."

Lauding the steps taken by Hasina govt to deal with the COVID crisis, PM said he is "confident that Bangladesh will tide over these challenging times."

Adding that India remains "available to support your efforts in any way, including through capacity-building in the health sector."

India in its second tranche of COVID emergency medical supplies to Bangladesh sent 1,00,000 Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medicine tablets and 50,000 sterile surgical latex gloves. The first tranche consisted of 30,000 surgical masks and 15,000 head-cover.&nbsp;

Both leaders had spoken to each other on 29th April to discussed the regional situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic. Highlighting that the "festival of Eid ul Azha which is also celebrated in several parts of India" shows "deep historical and cultural links" between both the countries, PM said, "We hope that this festival will further enhance the spirit of peace and tolerance in our respective societies and promote fraternal ties between our two countries." Lauding the steps taken by Hasina govt to deal with the COVID crisis, PM said he is "confident that Bangladesh will tide over these challenging times." Adding that India remains "available to support your efforts in any way, including through capacity-building in the health sector." India in its second tranche of COVID emergency medical supplies to Bangladesh sent 1,00,000 Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medicine tablets and 50,000 sterile surgical latex gloves. The first tranche consisted of 30,000 surgical masks and 15,000 head-cover. Both leaders had spoken to each other on 29th April to discussed the regional situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Modi sends Eid-ul-Azha greetings to Bangladesh PM; assures support on health sector

Millions of people have been affected by floods in Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and are waiting for help as floodwaters have entered their homes. Watch report.

Flood worsens in Bangladesh: One-third of Bangladesh affected

Intelligence agencies in Bangladesh indicate that the Bangladesh wing of ISIS or the neo JMB is likely to announce its new wing named ‘Bengal Ulayat’ ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.

The Police headquarters has received intel inputs that this new wing of ISIS could target police establishments, government establishments and foreign missions or embassies in the country ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha scheduled to be held on August 1, 2020.

Acting on the Intel, several units like the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC), Anti-Terrorism Unit and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been put on highest alert.

A senior official of the Intelligence Unit said, “We have received inputs that they could be planning to carry out subversive activities while announcing their new unit. We have alerted all our units including our special units and are taking all precautionary measures.”

However, the Telegram channels affiliated to Bangla ISIS like Al Mursalat, At Tamkin which shares messages or new announcements of wings have remained inactive since March this year.

While these Telegram Channels share messages like ‘coming soon’ and other video messages have not had any new posts since four months.

Intelligence agencies in Bangladesh indicate that the Bangladesh wing of ISIS or the neo JMB is likely to announce its new wing named ‘Bengal Ulayat’ ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.

Intelligence agencies in Bangladesh indicate that the Bangladesh wing of ISIS or the neo JMB is likely to announce its new wing named ‘Bengal Ulayat’ ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha. The Police headquarters has received intel inputs that this new wing of ISIS could target police establishments, government establishments and foreign missions or embassies in the country ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha scheduled to be held on August 1, 2020. Acting on the Intel, several units like the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC), Anti-Terrorism Unit and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been put on highest alert. A senior official of the Intelligence Unit said, “We have received inputs that they could be planning to carry out subversive activities while announcing their new unit. We have alerted all our units including our special units and are taking all precautionary measures.” However, the Telegram channels affiliated to Bangla ISIS like Al Mursalat, At Tamkin which shares messages or new announcements of wings have remained inactive since March this year. While these Telegram Channels share messages like ‘coming soon’ and other video messages have not had any new posts since four months.

Bangladesh wing of ISIS likely to announce its new wing - ‘Bengal Ulayat’ ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

Bangladesh has opened a complex of 20 blocks for people who have lost their homes due to storms and floods.&nbsp;

The South Asian country has faced a lot of devastation due to climate change and the nation is in the UN list of world's most vulnerable regions due to a warming planet. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-restructures-health-services-over-covid-19-scam-315543">Bangladesh restructures health services over COVID-19 scam</a>

The complex which opened on Thursday in the Cox's Bazar district of southeastern Bangladesh will provide shelter to around 650 families, with more under works. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-floods-claim-54-lives-affect-24-million-people-says-un-315172">Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN</a>

Jobaida Begum, who lost her mother and grandmother in the ravaging 1991 cyclone that killed 138,000 people, was among the first people to receive keys for her apartment.&nbsp;

"Our home in the Kutubdia island was destroyed in the cyclone and we took shelter in a coastal slum outside Cox's Bazar airport. But during high tide, this slum home also goes under water," Jobaida said, reported news agency AFP.

The area, which has a population of around 40,000, is one of the biggest settlements in Bangladesh for the people referred as climate refugees.&nbsp;

The majority of people are from the Bay of Bengal island Kutubdia, which around 40 per cent submerged in water.&nbsp;

"The sea has swallowed everything my parents had in Kutubdia... We have been living in this damp slum for past 25 years," said Jillul Karim, 40, another of those who to were given a flat.

Bangladesh has opened a complex of 20 blocks for people who have lost their homes due to storms and floods. The South Asian country has faced a lot of devastation due to climate change and the nation is in the UN list of world's most vulnerable regions due to a warming planet.

Bangladesh has opened a complex of 20 blocks for people who have lost their homes due to storms and floods. The South Asian country has faced a lot of devastation due to climate change and the nation is in the UN list of world's most vulnerable regions due to a warming planet. Also read | Bangladesh restructures health services over COVID-19 scam The complex which opened on Thursday in the Cox's Bazar district of southeastern Bangladesh will provide shelter to around 650 families, with more under works. Also read | Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN Jobaida Begum, who lost her mother and grandmother in the ravaging 1991 cyclone that killed 138,000 people, was among the first people to receive keys for her apartment. "Our home in the Kutubdia island was destroyed in the cyclone and we took shelter in a coastal slum outside Cox's Bazar airport. But during high tide, this slum home also goes under water," Jobaida said, reported news agency AFP. The area, which has a population of around 40,000, is one of the biggest settlements in Bangladesh for the people referred as climate refugees. The majority of people are from the Bay of Bengal island Kutubdia, which around 40 per cent submerged in water. "The sea has swallowed everything my parents had in Kutubdia... We have been living in this damp slum for past 25 years," said Jillul Karim, 40, another of those who to were given a flat.

Bangladesh opens complex to house 'climate refugees'

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests.

Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said.

The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics.

The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic.

Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities.

The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests.

Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations.

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal.

Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said. The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said. The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics. The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic. Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities. The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests. Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal. Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh restructures health services over COVID-19 scam

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday&nbsp;that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters.

"At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing.

"The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-at-risk-in-bangladesh-as-monsoon-floods-add-to-coronavirus-worries-309937">Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries</a>

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance."

"Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said.

Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said.

Severe flooding in Bangladesh, which has killed at least 54 people and affected over 2.4 million people, could be the worst since 1988, the United Nations has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday that some 56,000 of those impacted already have been displaced and are taking refuge in government shelters. "At least 54 people have reportedly been killed to date as a result," Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing. "The UN and our humanitarian partners are helping the government respond to the situation by providing food, water purification facilities, hygiene and dignity kits, as well as emergency shelter supplies," he said. Also read: Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries The UN Central Emergency Response Fund recently provided UN agencies with 5.2 million US dollars to help families most at risk, the spokesman said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on its website, "The anticipatory funding has since July 11 allowed partners to reach communities early with key assistance, including the distribution of sealable drums to protect agricultural equipment, and hygiene, dignity and health kits, as well as cash assistance." "Responding to the flood is complicated by the fact that these efforts are taking place as Bangladesh is also addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering from Cyclone Amphan," Dujarric said. Amphan, which hit Bangladesh in May, was the strongest storm in the Bay of Bengal, the American Red Cross said.The 1988 floods claimed the lives of about 500 people and left more than 25 million people homeless, as per the UN records.

Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase&nbsp;in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

The vaccine has been developed by China's&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported&nbsp;Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19.

There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509">Also read:&nbsp;Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

“We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said.

Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers.

Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful.

Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has been developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19. There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). “We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said. Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers. Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful. Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

Bangladesh allows stage III trial of China's COVID-19 vaccine

A Bangladeshi doctor accused of involvement in a scheme that entails falsifying thousands of COVID-19 test results for patients appeared at a Dhaka court on Friday (July 17).

Sabrina Arif Chowdhury, Chairman of JKG Health Care, was handed a two-day pretrial detention by the court, according to court authorities.

Chowdhury and several other suspects have been detained in connection with the fake testing ring. The owner of the two hospitals where the tests were given, Mohammad Shahed, alias Shahed Karim, was arrested on Wednesday (July 15) after a nine-day manhunt when he was caught at a border river trying to flee to India, clad in a burqa, local media reported.

As of Friday, Bangladesh had a total of 199,357 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,547 deaths, according to health officials.

A Bangladeshi doctor accused of involvement in a scheme that entails falsifying thousands of COVID-19 test results for patients appeared at a Dhaka court on Friday (July 17).

A Bangladeshi doctor accused of involvement in a scheme that entails falsifying thousands of COVID-19 test results for patients appeared at a Dhaka court on Friday (July 17). Sabrina Arif Chowdhury, Chairman of JKG Health Care, was handed a two-day pretrial detention by the court, according to court authorities. Chowdhury and several other suspects have been detained in connection with the fake testing ring. The owner of the two hospitals where the tests were given, Mohammad Shahed, alias Shahed Karim, was arrested on Wednesday (July 15) after a nine-day manhunt when he was caught at a border river trying to flee to India, clad in a burqa, local media reported. As of Friday, Bangladesh had a total of 199,357 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,547 deaths, according to health officials.

Suspect in Bangladesh fake COVID-19 testing ring appears in court

A Doctor in Bangladesh has been arrested for conducting 6,300 fake Covid-19 tests. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how this scam hurts the fight against the coronavirus in Bangladesh.

Gravitas: Bangladesh Doctor arrested for 6,300 fake COVID-19 tests

The world is fighting coronavirus crisis, but Bangladesh is not just fighting a pandemic, but a massive testing scam too.&nbsp;

The owner of two hospitals in Bangladesh is accused of thousands of fake COVID-19 tests.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-arrests-hospital-owner-over-fake-coronavirus-test-results-313613">Bangladesh arrests hospital owner over fake coronavirus test results</a>

Mohammad Shahed, 42-year-old, is facing allegations of distributing fake certificates to patients, declaring they are COVID-19-free, without even testing them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/floods-ravage-bangladesh-as-monsoon-arrives-in-south-asia-313527#:~:text=Monsoon%20has%20arrived%20in%20South,skies%20are%20not%20yet%20done.&amp;text=The%20suffering%20is%20overflowing%20across%20Bangladesh.">Floods ravage Bangladesh as monsoon arrives in South Asia</a>

He was trying to flee to India, wearing a burkha, but has now been arrested after a search for nine days.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bangladesh-doctor-arrested-for-6300-fake-covid-19-tests-313870/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The hospitals carried out more than 10,000 coronavirus tests, out of which 6,300 test reports were allegedly fake.&nbsp;

He is also accused of charging for the certificates and treatments, despite earlier reportedly agreeing to deliver the services free of cost.&nbsp;

He is not the only accused, there are others too arrested for carrying out testing scams.&nbsp;

Sabrina Chaudhary, a government doctor and chairman of JKG Health Care has been arrested on similar allegations.&nbsp;

This also suggests that there could be thousands of fake cases in Bangladesh too that are not getting detected.

Scams like these are also a blow for migrant workers who are willing to go abroad.&nbsp;

Italy had last week suspended flights to Rome from Bangladesh in an attempt to avoid virus carriers from this part.&nbsp;

This means the Bangladeshis who tested positive in Italy were allegedly carrying negative COVID-19 certificates from Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The Bangladeshi government is under pressure to safeguard its overseas job market, give that remittances are a key pillar of the country's economy.&nbsp;

So far, Bangladesh has reported nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases and over 2,400 people died of the disease. But experts say the actual number could be higher as the country is testing a lot less.&nbsp;

And the concerns have risen more because of the fake test results scam.&nbsp;

Scams such as these are infecting Bangladesh's healthcare system and this could be just the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The world is fighting coronavirus crisis, but Bangladesh is not just fighting a pandemic, but a massive testing scam too. The owner of two hospitals in Bangladesh is accused of thousands of fake COVID-19 tests.

The world is fighting coronavirus crisis, but Bangladesh is not just fighting a pandemic, but a massive testing scam too. The owner of two hospitals in Bangladesh is accused of thousands of fake COVID-19 tests. Also read | Bangladesh arrests hospital owner over fake coronavirus test results Mohammad Shahed, 42-year-old, is facing allegations of distributing fake certificates to patients, declaring they are COVID-19-free, without even testing them. Also read | Floods ravage Bangladesh as monsoon arrives in South Asia He was trying to flee to India, wearing a burkha, but has now been arrested after a search for nine days. The hospitals carried out more than 10,000 coronavirus tests, out of which 6,300 test reports were allegedly fake. He is also accused of charging for the certificates and treatments, despite earlier reportedly agreeing to deliver the services free of cost. He is not the only accused, there are others too arrested for carrying out testing scams. Sabrina Chaudhary, a government doctor and chairman of JKG Health Care has been arrested on similar allegations. This also suggests that there could be thousands of fake cases in Bangladesh too that are not getting detected. Scams like these are also a blow for migrant workers who are willing to go abroad. Italy had last week suspended flights to Rome from Bangladesh in an attempt to avoid virus carriers from this part. This means the Bangladeshis who tested positive in Italy were allegedly carrying negative COVID-19 certificates from Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi government is under pressure to safeguard its overseas job market, give that remittances are a key pillar of the country's economy. So far, Bangladesh has reported nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases and over 2,400 people died of the disease. But experts say the actual number could be higher as the country is testing a lot less. And the concerns have risen more because of the fake test results scam. Scams such as these are infecting Bangladesh's healthcare system and this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Bangladesh testing scam could just be a tip of the iceberg

A Bangladesh hospital owner accused of issuing thousands of fake negative coronavirus test results to patients at his two clinics was arrested while trying to flee to India in a burqa.

Fineprint: Bangladesh shaken by multiple medical scams

Floods hit Assam's Kaziranga and Bangladesh amid pandemic in South Asia

Bangladesh is battling the worst flood of the decade. One-third of the country has been flooded, at least 4 million people have been hit. Experts say the worst is yet to come.

Gravitas: One-Third of Bangladesh submerged by floodwaters

Chinese goods have&nbsp;already started bleeding Nepal with the country's&nbsp;national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft.

From July 16, the Chinese&nbsp;planes will not fly again. Nepal airlines says it can't afford to fly the planes anymore, therefore, it is cutting its losses.

According to a report, Nepal was forced to buy the planes&nbsp;in a government-to-government deal. The&nbsp;planes have been incurring heavy losses for Nepal ever since they were purchased.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-nepal-airlines-is-grounding-chinese-planes-313328/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nepal had walked into a bad deal and&nbsp;to make matters worst, it was&nbsp;a deal that could have been avoided.&nbsp;Teams from Bangladesh and Nepal had reportedly travelled to China to inspect the aircraft.

Bangladesh had rejected it but Nepal decided to buy the planes and they were fleeced by China. Reports say that Nepal wanted China to gift these planes.

But&nbsp;Beijing told Kathmandu that it will have to buy the aircraft before it could expect a gift. Ultimately, a deal was reached and Nepal agreed to buy six planes and got two more as gifts.

The first batch of these planes has now been grounded.

Chinese goods have already started bleeding Nepal with the country's national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft. From July 16, the Chinese planes will not fly again.

Chinese goods have already started bleeding Nepal with the country's national carrier grounding Chinese aircraft. From July 16, the Chinese planes will not fly again. Nepal airlines says it can't afford to fly the planes anymore, therefore, it is cutting its losses. According to a report, Nepal was forced to buy the planes in a government-to-government deal. The planes have been incurring heavy losses for Nepal ever since they were purchased. Nepal had walked into a bad deal and to make matters worst, it was a deal that could have been avoided. Teams from Bangladesh and Nepal had reportedly travelled to China to inspect the aircraft. Bangladesh had rejected it but Nepal decided to buy the planes and they were fleeced by China. Reports say that Nepal wanted China to gift these planes. But Beijing told Kathmandu that it will have to buy the aircraft before it could expect a gift. Ultimately, a deal was reached and Nepal agreed to buy six planes and got two more as gifts. The first batch of these planes has now been grounded.

Nepal's national carrier grounds Chinese aircraft

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region&nbsp;into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons.

The string of pearls is being militarized and&nbsp;converted into a noose.

China will supply four-armed drones to Pakistan. It's not so much for Pakistan as for protecting Chinese assets in the country more specifically&nbsp;China’s Belt and Road projects. The drones will guard two investments - the China-Pakistan economic project (CPEC) and the People’s Liberation Army’s base at the Gwadar port. China likes to describe the BRI as an economic project, a development project with peaceful intent but the fact is China's projects are all strategic.

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The infrastructure deals always have a military dimension and that is what poses a bigger worry for India. Last year, China had gifted a warship to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;A frigate called “P-625” something that was commissioned into the PLA&nbsp;Navy in 1994. It is now in Sri Lanka's hands.

Then comes Bangladesh, it heavily depends on China for weapons. Bangladesh between 2008 and 2018&nbsp;bought nearly $ 2 billion worth of weapons from China&nbsp;which&nbsp;was almost 72 per cent of Bangladesh’s military acquisitions in that period.

India's other neighbour Myanmar is the third-largest arms export market for China. Since 2013, Myanmar has imported $720 million worth of conventional weapons from&nbsp;China.&nbsp; It&nbsp;includes big-ticket deals like combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, frigates and armoured vehicles.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar - they get weapons and billions of dollars in loans from China. They are all part of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Pakistan has become a testing ground for the militarization of China's BRI. Two years ago, details of a confidential plan had leaked to the press. It was the blueprint of the Pakistan-China military alliance under the garb of CPEC.

According to the proposal, a special economic zone&nbsp;will be used to build fighter jets. It&nbsp;will be a joint project between China and Pakistan. The navigation systems and other military hardware will be built in Pakistan&nbsp;factories.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is again&nbsp;under the military alliance between Islamabad and Beijing.

Sri Lanka is the other ally in the mix. A&nbsp;press release&nbsp;from the website of the Chinese military&nbsp;declares: China, Sri Lanka vow to strengthen defence ties.

The&nbsp;story was filed two years ago. It is an announcement of China's intent. A&nbsp;&nbsp;senior colonel from China&nbsp;said: "China wishes to boost the development of the Belt&nbsp;and Road initiative to strengthen the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and the two militaries."

The BRI&nbsp;is a military expansion plan under the pretext of economic development&nbsp;since the inception of the Hambantota project there have been fears that China could end up using the port for military purposes.

Those suspicions were confirmed in 2014 when a Chinese submarine and a warship docked in Colombo. Since then, India has kept a tight watch on Hambantota. The Chinese military has kept&nbsp;its distance from Hambantota for now.

But, it has deep links with the Sri Lankan military. Chinese officers have undertaken high-level visits to Sri Lanka. China has also provided military training to Sri Lankan officers.&nbsp;

All of this points to one thing, China's silk&nbsp;road is just a means to an end. It will not just put China in the centre of world trade. But, will also be a way for China to boost its military presence. It is a colonisation project. The 21-century version of the East India company.

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons.

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons. The string of pearls is being militarized and converted into a noose. China will supply four-armed drones to Pakistan. It's not so much for Pakistan as for protecting Chinese assets in the country more specifically China’s Belt and Road projects. The drones will guard two investments - the China-Pakistan economic project (CPEC) and the People’s Liberation Army’s base at the Gwadar port. China likes to describe the BRI as an economic project, a development project with peaceful intent but the fact is China's projects are all strategic. The infrastructure deals always have a military dimension and that is what poses a bigger worry for India. Last year, China had gifted a warship to Sri Lanka. A frigate called “P-625” something that was commissioned into the PLA Navy in 1994. It is now in Sri Lanka's hands. Then comes Bangladesh, it heavily depends on China for weapons. Bangladesh between 2008 and 2018 bought nearly $ 2 billion worth of weapons from China which was almost 72 per cent of Bangladesh’s military acquisitions in that period. India's other neighbour Myanmar is the third-largest arms export market for China. Since 2013, Myanmar has imported $720 million worth of conventional weapons from China. It includes big-ticket deals like combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, frigates and armoured vehicles. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar - they get weapons and billions of dollars in loans from China. They are all part of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Pakistan has become a testing ground for the militarization of China's BRI. Two years ago, details of a confidential plan had leaked to the press. It was the blueprint of the Pakistan-China military alliance under the garb of CPEC. According to the proposal, a special economic zone will be used to build fighter jets. It will be a joint project between China and Pakistan. The navigation systems and other military hardware will be built in Pakistan factories. It is again under the military alliance between Islamabad and Beijing. Sri Lanka is the other ally in the mix. A press release from the website of the Chinese military declares: China, Sri Lanka vow to strengthen defence ties. The story was filed two years ago. It is an announcement of China's intent. A senior colonel from China said: "China wishes to boost the development of the Belt and Road initiative to strengthen the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and the two militaries." The BRI is a military expansion plan under the pretext of economic development since the inception of the Hambantota project there have been fears that China could end up using the port for military purposes. Those suspicions were confirmed in 2014 when a Chinese submarine and a warship docked in Colombo. Since then, India has kept a tight watch on Hambantota. The Chinese military has kept its distance from Hambantota for now. But, it has deep links with the Sri Lankan military. Chinese officers have undertaken high-level visits to Sri Lanka. China has also provided military training to Sri Lankan officers. All of this points to one thing, China's silk road is just a means to an end. It will not just put China in the centre of world trade. But, will also be a way for China to boost its military presence. It is a colonisation project. The 21-century version of the East India company.

Is China colonising India's neighbours with arms deal and hefty debts?

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels".

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The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said.

"Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments.

"Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim.

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Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully".

A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away.

A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery.

"It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen."

The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet.

They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including&nbsp;Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack.

In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities.

In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers.

A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside. The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels". Also read: Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said. "Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments. "Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim. Also read: Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully". A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away. A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery. "It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen." The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet. They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack. In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities. In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers. A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Body of Bangladesh newborn dug from grave and dumped

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees on a flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal will not be allowed to leave unless they agree to return home, Bangladesh authorities said Thursday.

The 306 Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar were put on Bhashan Char island in April after being taken off two boats trying to traffic them to Malaysia.

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Their plight has been taken up by the United Nations, an international rights group, and community leaders, who want them moved to more established refugee camps on the mainland.

"They will stay at Bhasan Char until they are repatriated to Myanmar," Mohammed Khorshed Alam Khan, administrator for the district covering the island, told AFP.

He said the refugees are well taken care of and have better facilities than in the overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar where 700,000 Rohingya fled in 2017 to escape a Myanmar military clampdown.

In April, Bangladesh authorities said the Rohingya would be kept on the island in order to stop the spread of coronavirus in the sprawling refugee camps.

But Human Rights Watch (HRW) questioned that motivation and said the refugees were not being treated well.

"Bangladesh authorities are using the pandemic as an excuse to detain refugees on a spit of land in the middle of a churning monsoon sea while their families anxiously pray for their return," said Brad Adams, the organisation's Asia representative.

He also asked why Bangladesh authorities were not giving aid workers access to the island settlement.

A Rohingya leader from the Cox's Bazar camps said relatives of those on the island wanted to hold talks with Bangladesh's refugee commissioner.

"We request the authorities to send our children to our families," said Mohib Ullah, head of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, which lobbies for the Rohingya.

HRW said it had received reports that refugees on Bhashan Char had little freedom of movement or adequate access to food, safe water and medical care.&nbsp;

A government official involved with the case rejected the criticism but admitted some refugees wanted to be reunited with their families.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees on a flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal will not be allowed to leave unless they agree to return home, Bangladesh authorities said Thursday.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees on a flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal will not be allowed to leave unless they agree to return home, Bangladesh authorities said Thursday. The 306 Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar were put on Bhashan Char island in April after being taken off two boats trying to traffic them to Malaysia. Also read | Myanmar finds soldiers guilty in Rohingya atrocities court martial Their plight has been taken up by the United Nations, an international rights group, and community leaders, who want them moved to more established refugee camps on the mainland. "They will stay at Bhasan Char until they are repatriated to Myanmar," Mohammed Khorshed Alam Khan, administrator for the district covering the island, told AFP. He said the refugees are well taken care of and have better facilities than in the overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar where 700,000 Rohingya fled in 2017 to escape a Myanmar military clampdown. In April, Bangladesh authorities said the Rohingya would be kept on the island in order to stop the spread of coronavirus in the sprawling refugee camps. But Human Rights Watch (HRW) questioned that motivation and said the refugees were not being treated well. "Bangladesh authorities are using the pandemic as an excuse to detain refugees on a spit of land in the middle of a churning monsoon sea while their families anxiously pray for their return," said Brad Adams, the organisation's Asia representative. He also asked why Bangladesh authorities were not giving aid workers access to the island settlement. A Rohingya leader from the Cox's Bazar camps said relatives of those on the island wanted to hold talks with Bangladesh's refugee commissioner. "We request the authorities to send our children to our families," said Mohib Ullah, head of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, which lobbies for the Rohingya. HRW said it had received reports that refugees on Bhashan Char had little freedom of movement or adequate access to food, safe water and medical care. A government official involved with the case rejected the criticism but admitted some refugees wanted to be reunited with their families.

Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs.

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The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP.

The JSS is the main insurgent group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban.

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It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997.

Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps.

In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders.

In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said. Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs. Also read| COVID-19: Bangladesh resumes international flights The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP. The JSS is the main insurgent group in Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban. Also read: Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997. Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps. In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders. In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

Six shot dead in Bangladesh's restive southeastern hills: Police

Bangladesh has reported 3, 288 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 1,59,679, while nearly 2,000 people have succumbed to the novel coronavirus, a senior health official said on Saturday.

A total of 29 people died from coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pushing the number of fatalities to 1,997, said Dr Nasima Sultana, additional director general (administration) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-at-risk-in-bangladesh-as-monsoon-floods-add-to-coronavirus-worries-309937">Also read:&nbsp;Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries</a>

Bangladesh remains the 18th worst affected country in the world in terms of the number of cases. Globally, 5.2 lakh people have died due to the disease and more than 11 million have been infected. The US leads both in terms of the number of deaths and infections, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

In Bangladesh, the total number of infections stands at 1,59,679. A total of 3,288 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. With this, the current infection rate is 22.33 per cent. The total infection rate so far stands at 19.19 per cent, The Daily Star reported.

As many as 2,673 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 70,721 and the current recovery rate is 44.29 per cent, the DGHS said.

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The DGHS official said 13,871 samples had been collected from the suspected COVID-19 patients around the country in the last 24 hours.

In total, 832,074 tests have been conducted so far ? of which 19.19 per cent tested positive, she said.

"No personal protective equipment (PPE) has been collected in the last 24 hours. The government now has 120,881 in reserve. There are also enough general and ICU beds available in all hospitals dedicated for COVID-19 treatment,"Sultana was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

On March 8, health authorities in Bangladesh had reported the first three cases of COVID-19. The country recorded its first fatality on March 18.

The novel coronavirus originated in China's Wuhan city in late December last year and quickly spread throughout the world, becoming a pandemic in less than three months.

Bangladesh has reported 3, 288 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 1,59,679, while nearly 2,000 people have succumbed to the novel coronavirus, a senior health official said on Saturday.

Bangladesh has reported 3, 288 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 1,59,679, while nearly 2,000 people have succumbed to the novel coronavirus, a senior health official said on Saturday. A total of 29 people died from coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pushing the number of fatalities to 1,997, said Dr Nasima Sultana, additional director general (administration) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Also read: Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries Bangladesh remains the 18th worst affected country in the world in terms of the number of cases. Globally, 5.2 lakh people have died due to the disease and more than 11 million have been infected. The US leads both in terms of the number of deaths and infections, according to Johns Hopkins University data. In Bangladesh, the total number of infections stands at 1,59,679. A total of 3,288 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. With this, the current infection rate is 22.33 per cent. The total infection rate so far stands at 19.19 per cent, The Daily Star reported. As many as 2,673 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 70,721 and the current recovery rate is 44.29 per cent, the DGHS said. Also read: 23 die, several missing after ferry accident in Bangladesh: Report The DGHS official said 13,871 samples had been collected from the suspected COVID-19 patients around the country in the last 24 hours. In total, 832,074 tests have been conducted so far ? of which 19.19 per cent tested positive, she said. "No personal protective equipment (PPE) has been collected in the last 24 hours. The government now has 120,881 in reserve. There are also enough general and ICU beds available in all hospitals dedicated for COVID-19 treatment,"Sultana was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune. On March 8, health authorities in Bangladesh had reported the first three cases of COVID-19. The country recorded its first fatality on March 18. The novel coronavirus originated in China's Wuhan city in late December last year and quickly spread throughout the world, becoming a pandemic in less than three months.

Bangladesh records 3,288 new COVID-19 cases, death toll nears 2,000

Hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh have been marooned and thousands of hectares of farmland submerged, officials said on Wednesday, as floods triggered by monsoon rains ravage the country already grappling with the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Officials said the flooding in Bangladesh was made worse by heavy rains in the neighbouring Indian state of Assam. Millions have been forced to flee their homes in Assam after the Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet into India and then into Bangladesh burst its banks in Assam over the weekend, inundating more than 2,000 villages.

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"Rainfalls and runoff from northern India have caused some of the rivers across Bangladesh to rise over 70 cm (30 inches) above dangerous levels," said Jyoti Prasad Ghosh, an official at the Bangladesh Water Development Board. "The floods could worsen further in the coming days if rains continue in Assam."&nbsp;

One disaster management official in Bangladesh who declined to be named said the crisis was expected to worsen in the coming days and more than 200,000 people marooned are at risk.

"The disaster is worsening by the hour, with several hundred thousands already severely affected by the floods, worsening the COVID pandemic and crisis in the country," said Antony Balmain, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

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Bangladesh had 149,258 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 1,888 deaths.

The floods threaten about 4.1 million people, Balmain said. "Around 16,500 people most at risk are being assisted immediately with evacuation, and while thousands more will be helped in the coming days."&nbsp;

The double whammy is pushing many to the brink.

In Bangladesh's northern district of Jamalpur, farmer Mohammad Manik had been earning a living selling vegetables. He said he had to stop that due to the coronavirus lockdown.

"Now all my vegetables are under the floodwater." Manik told Reuters. "I don’t know how to survive anymore. It's one disaster after another."

Hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh have been marooned and thousands of hectares of farmland submerged, officials said on Wednesday, as floods triggered by monsoon rains ravage the country already grappling with the coronavirus.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh have been marooned and thousands of hectares of farmland submerged, officials said on Wednesday, as floods triggered by monsoon rains ravage the country already grappling with the coronavirus. Officials said the flooding in Bangladesh was made worse by heavy rains in the neighbouring Indian state of Assam. Millions have been forced to flee their homes in Assam after the Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet into India and then into Bangladesh burst its banks in Assam over the weekend, inundating more than 2,000 villages. Also read: At least 30 die in Bangladesh ferry accident "Rainfalls and runoff from northern India have caused some of the rivers across Bangladesh to rise over 70 cm (30 inches) above dangerous levels," said Jyoti Prasad Ghosh, an official at the Bangladesh Water Development Board. "The floods could worsen further in the coming days if rains continue in Assam." One disaster management official in Bangladesh who declined to be named said the crisis was expected to worsen in the coming days and more than 200,000 people marooned are at risk. "The disaster is worsening by the hour, with several hundred thousands already severely affected by the floods, worsening the COVID pandemic and crisis in the country," said Antony Balmain, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Also read: Amid standoff with India, China tries to woo Bangladesh Bangladesh had 149,258 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 1,888 deaths. The floods threaten about 4.1 million people, Balmain said. "Around 16,500 people most at risk are being assisted immediately with evacuation, and while thousands more will be helped in the coming days." The double whammy is pushing many to the brink. In Bangladesh's northern district of Jamalpur, farmer Mohammad Manik had been earning a living selling vegetables. He said he had to stop that due to the coronavirus lockdown. "Now all my vegetables are under the floodwater." Manik told Reuters. "I don’t know how to survive anymore. It's one disaster after another."

Millions at risk in Bangladesh as monsoon floods add to coronavirus worries

Students and residents in Dhaka are feeding stray dogs and wild monkeys that typically rely on food waste and may be going hungry amid coronavirus measures that have closed restaurants and slowed human movement.

Dhaka animal-lovers feed stray dogs and monkeys amid virus squeeze on food sources

Twenty-three people died while several others were missing on Monday after a ferry capsized in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following a collision with another vessel, news agency AFP reported quoting rescue officials.

Twenty-three people died while several others were missing on Monday after a ferry capsized in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following a collision with another vessel, news agency AFP reported quoting rescue officials. "We have so far recovered 23 bodies from the sunken ferry," fire brigade official Enayet Hossain told AFP. "There were 50 people on board... Our rescue divers are still searching," she said. The Morning Bird vessel was hit by another ferry at Farashganj, just metres (yards) from the country's largest river port Sadarghat, according to report. Several witnesses told local television stations that the boat was carrying more than 50 people, with many stuck in cabins. Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh due to poor safety standards in the country's many shipyards. The ferries are often overcrowded and sink in bad weather.

23 die, several missing after ferry accident in Bangladesh: Report

At least 30 people died and a dozen are missing after a ferry capsized and sank Monday in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following a collision with another vessel, rescue officials said. 
 
The Morning Bird vessel was hit from behind by another ferry around 9:30 am local time (0330 GMT) during the morning rush hour, when the country's largest river port is packed with vessels. 
 
"We have collected 30 bodies, including 20 males, seven women and three children," Abul Khair, a diver in the fire brigade, told AFP. 
 
"There were at least 50 people on board... Our rescue divers are still searching," coastguard spokesman commander Hayet Ibne Siddique said. 
 
The ferry -- which departed from central Munshiganj district -- sank as it was about to moor at Sadarghat, Dhaka's main river port used by hundreds of boats to travel to the country's south. 
 
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority's chief, Commodore Golam Sadeqk, told AFP the single-deck ship was "not overcrowded" and sank "due to carelessness". 
 
He said the vessel had been cleared to carry passengers until September. 
 
Witnesses told local television stations many passengers appeared to be stuck in the ferry's cabins. 
 
Divers were still pulling bodies from the wreck, in waters some 40-50 feet (12-15 metres) deep. The deceased were put in body-bags before they were laid in rows at the harbour-front. 
 
Another boat would later arrive to lift the damaged vessel from the water, Siddique said.

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Relatives gathered at Sadarghat despite coronavirus social distancing concerns to search for their family. 
 
"I still don't know what happened to them," a man, searching for his cousin and another relative, told reporters. 
 
Boat accidents are common in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by more than 230 rivers. 
 
The South Asian nation is heavily reliant on ferries for transport but has had a poor safety record.

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Experts blame badly maintained vessels, lax safety standards at shipyards and overcrowding for many of the accidents. 
 
In February 2015 at least 78 people died when an overcrowded ship collided with a cargo boat in a central Bangladesh river. 
 
The number of accidents has dropped sharply in recent years as authorities crackdown on unseaworthy vessels.

At least 30 people died and a dozen are missing after a ferry capsized and sank Monday in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following a collision with another vessel, rescue officials said.

At least 30 people died and a dozen are missing after a ferry capsized and sank Monday in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following a collision with another vessel, rescue officials said. The Morning Bird vessel was hit from behind by another ferry around 9:30 am local time (0330 GMT) during the morning rush hour, when the country's largest river port is packed with vessels. "We have collected 30 bodies, including 20 males, seven women and three children," Abul Khair, a diver in the fire brigade, told AFP. "There were at least 50 people on board... Our rescue divers are still searching," coastguard spokesman commander Hayet Ibne Siddique said. The ferry -- which departed from central Munshiganj district -- sank as it was about to moor at Sadarghat, Dhaka's main river port used by hundreds of boats to travel to the country's south. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority's chief, Commodore Golam Sadeqk, told AFP the single-deck ship was "not overcrowded" and sank "due to carelessness". He said the vessel had been cleared to carry passengers until September. Witnesses told local television stations many passengers appeared to be stuck in the ferry's cabins. Divers were still pulling bodies from the wreck, in waters some 40-50 feet (12-15 metres) deep. The deceased were put in body-bags before they were laid in rows at the harbour-front. Another boat would later arrive to lift the damaged vessel from the water, Siddique said. Also read: 23 die, several missing after ferry accident in Bangladesh: Report Relatives gathered at Sadarghat despite coronavirus social distancing concerns to search for their family. "I still don't know what happened to them," a man, searching for his cousin and another relative, told reporters. Boat accidents are common in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by more than 230 rivers. The South Asian nation is heavily reliant on ferries for transport but has had a poor safety record. You might also like: Amid standoff with India, China tries to woo Bangladesh Experts blame badly maintained vessels, lax safety standards at shipyards and overcrowding for many of the accidents. In February 2015 at least 78 people died when an overcrowded ship collided with a cargo boat in a central Bangladesh river. The number of accidents has dropped sharply in recent years as authorities crackdown on unseaworthy vessels.

At least 30 die in Bangladesh ferry accident

Facing ruin after orders from Western brands collapsed amid the coronavirus pandemic, many Bangladeshi garment factories have been given a lifeline by orders to make protective masks, gloves and gowns for export.

Garment factories in Bangladesh turn COVID-19 virus gloom into boom

The South Korean government will restrict issuing visas to people from Pakistan and Bangladesh except for diplomatic and urgent business purposes, with effect from Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-surge-to-over-181000-death-toll-rises-over-3500-307611">Coronavirus cases in Pakistan surge to over 181,000; death toll rises over 3,500</a>

The move came as a precautionary measure announced to strengthen visa and entry restrictions, as the country has recently reported a surge in novel coronavirus cases imported from the two countries.

At the same time, the authorities will temporarily not permit non-scheduled flights between South Korea and these countries.

The number of imported COVID-19 cases has been on a sharp increase in South Korea, reaching a 68-day high of 17 on Friday.&nbsp;

The South Korean government will restrict issuing visas to people from Pakistan and Bangladesh except for diplomatic and urgent business purposes, with effect from Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

The South Korean government will restrict issuing visas to people from Pakistan and Bangladesh except for diplomatic and urgent business purposes, with effect from Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Pakistan surge to over 181,000; death toll rises over 3,500 The move came as a precautionary measure announced to strengthen visa and entry restrictions, as the country has recently reported a surge in novel coronavirus cases imported from the two countries. At the same time, the authorities will temporarily not permit non-scheduled flights between South Korea and these countries. The number of imported COVID-19 cases has been on a sharp increase in South Korea, reaching a 68-day high of 17 on Friday.

South Korea restricts flights to and from Pakistan, Bangladesh amid surge in COVID-19 cases

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier&nbsp;Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday.

Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The first flight, BG001 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London with 187 passengers on board.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-crew-stranded-on-cruise-ships-in-uk-appeal-for-repatriation-307303">Also read:&nbsp;Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation</a>

Passengers from Dhaka to London route do not require health certificates declaring that they are not infected with COVID-19, said Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

But they will have to fill-up a health declaration form as per the International Civil Aviation Organization's guidelines, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardeep-singh-puri-confident-and-hopeful-about-air-indias-divestment-disinvestment-plans-307332">Also read:&nbsp;Hardeep Singh Puri 'confident and hopeful' about Air India's divestment, disinvestment plans</a>

As per the rules of the UK, the&nbsp;passengers will have to, however, quarantine themselves for 14 days.

The service has only resumed for the&nbsp;Dhaka-London-Dhaka route, and will operate only on Sundays.

The passengers were provided hand sanitizers,&nbsp;gloves and masks. The in-flight meal was also converted to&nbsp;dry meals in food boxes, in line with guidelines provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization following the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a miss of any cold beverages.

(With inputs from PTI)

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday. Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

After almost three months, Bangladesh's national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its international flights on Sunday. Bangladesh had temporarily halted all international flights three months back as the country closed its international borders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The first flight, BG001 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London with 187 passengers on board. Also read: Indian crew stranded on cruise ships in UK appeal for repatriation Passengers from Dhaka to London route do not require health certificates declaring that they are not infected with COVID-19, said Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). But they will have to fill-up a health declaration form as per the International Civil Aviation Organization's guidelines, he added. Also read: Hardeep Singh Puri 'confident and hopeful' about Air India's divestment, disinvestment plans As per the rules of the UK, the passengers will have to, however, quarantine themselves for 14 days. The service has only resumed for the Dhaka-London-Dhaka route, and will operate only on Sundays. The passengers were provided hand sanitizers, gloves and masks. The in-flight meal was also converted to dry meals in food boxes, in line with guidelines provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization following the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a miss of any cold beverages. (With inputs from PTI)

COVID 19: Bangladesh resumes international flights

Bangladesh's coronavirus cases on Thursday crossed 100,000-mark after 3,803 new COVID-19 infections were reported in the last 24 hours, the health authorities said.

The death toll due to the COVID-19 rose to 1,343 after 38 people died, according to the health directorate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-army-to-tighten-vigilance-in-coronavirus-red-zones-306323">Bangladesh army to tighten vigilance in coronavirus red zones</a>

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bangladesh are 102,292, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Additional Director General Nasima Sultana was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.

As many as 17,349 samples were collected between Wednesday and Thursday. Of those, 16,259 samples were tested in authorised labs across the country and 3,803 of them tested COVID-19 positive, she said.

In all, 567,503 tests have been conducted so far, she said, adding that the rate of recovery from COVID-19 in Bangladesh currently stands at 39.26 per cent while the mortality rate is 1.31 per cent

Bangladesh's coronavirus cases on Thursday crossed 100,000-mark after 3,803 new COVID-19 infections were reported in the last 24 hours, the health authorities said.

Bangladesh's coronavirus cases on Thursday crossed 100,000-mark after 3,803 new COVID-19 infections were reported in the last 24 hours, the health authorities said. The death toll due to the COVID-19 rose to 1,343 after 38 people died, according to the health directorate. Also read | Bangladesh army to tighten vigilance in coronavirus red zones The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bangladesh are 102,292, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Additional Director General Nasima Sultana was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday. As many as 17,349 samples were collected between Wednesday and Thursday. Of those, 16,259 samples were tested in authorised labs across the country and 3,803 of them tested COVID-19 positive, she said. In all, 567,503 tests have been conducted so far, she said, adding that the rate of recovery from COVID-19 in Bangladesh currently stands at 39.26 per cent while the mortality rate is 1.31 per cent

Coronavirus: Total infections cross 100,000-mark in Bangladesh

With more than 7,000 Bangladeshi police infected with the new coronavirus, officials are hoping yoga will boost immunity and relieve stress for officers. On Monday (June 15), over 200 police officers in the capital of Dhaka attended a yoga session.

Bangladesh police turn to yoga as virus infections cross 7,000

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say.

Several hundred Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority from Myanmar fleeing persecution at home and refugee camps in Bangladesh, have been stranded for months after countries sealed their borders to block the spread of the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/first-rohingya-refugee-dies-from-coronavirus-in-bangladesh-official-302571" hreflang="en">First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh: Official</a>

Three people who said their relatives were at sea told Reuters that traffickers had demanded money to release them from boats that have been off Southeast Asia since February, trying to find a place to land.

"Before, the deal was that if they were able to reach the Malaysian shore then they will take the money, but they're asking for it now," said Mohammed Ayas, who said his 16-year-old brother left a refugee camp in Bangladesh in February.&nbsp;

Since then, the family has heard nothing from him, Ayas said.

Musha, whose two sisters are also at sea after leaving camps in Bangladesh in February, said brokers acting for the traffickers asked the family to pay 12,000 ringitt ($2,800) by a mobile banking service for their transfer to Malaysia.&nbsp;

He said the family paid the sum but did not know the fate of the two teenaged girls.

For years, Rohingya have boarded boats between November and April, when the seas are calm, to get to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. But coronavirus lockdowns have left boats stranded at sea.

Dozens of people died aboard a boat that had to return to Bangladesh in April after running out of food and water, survivors told Reuters. [nL4N2CH0VK]

Authorities in Malaysia detained 269 Rohingya who came ashore from a damaged boat last week. Human Rights Watch said about 70% of them were too weak to walk.

"OFFSHORE CAMP"

At least one vessel remains at sea, according to rights groups, with as many as 300 people on board, some of whom are believed to be sick. Its location is not known.

"This boat has been turned into an offshore traffickers' camp," said Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, a group focusing on the Rohingya crisis. She described the people at sea as hostages and said the latest demands were for 5,000 Malaysian ringgit ($1,170) per passenger to get to Malaysia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/15000-rohingya-under-coronavirus-quarantine-as-cases-hit-29-301020" hreflang="en">15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29</a>

An official with the Thai marine police said the vessel was not in Thai waters but had sought provisions from fishing boats. A second Thai police official, who also asked not to be named, said three boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya were close to Koh Adang, a Thai island, but on the Malaysian side of the border.

Malaysian officials, including the country's maritime enforcement agency, did not respond to requests for comment. The agency said it turned away a boat carrying about 300 Rohingya last week, media reported.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017 following a military crackdown the United Nations has said was carried out with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies genocide, saying it was responding to attacks on security posts by Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

Nearly a million Rohingya now live in camps in southeast Bangladesh.&nbsp;

During a crackdown on trafficking networks that led to a similar crisis in 2015, gangs cast passengers adrift with meagre food and water. Many died at sea.

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say.

People traffickers holding hundreds of Rohingya refugees at sea are demanding payments from their families before they will release them from boats off the shores of Southeast Asia, relatives and rights groups say. Several hundred Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority from Myanmar fleeing persecution at home and refugee camps in Bangladesh, have been stranded for months after countries sealed their borders to block the spread of the coronavirus. Also read: First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh: Official Three people who said their relatives were at sea told Reuters that traffickers had demanded money to release them from boats that have been off Southeast Asia since February, trying to find a place to land. "Before, the deal was that if they were able to reach the Malaysian shore then they will take the money, but they're asking for it now," said Mohammed Ayas, who said his 16-year-old brother left a refugee camp in Bangladesh in February. Since then, the family has heard nothing from him, Ayas said. Musha, whose two sisters are also at sea after leaving camps in Bangladesh in February, said brokers acting for the traffickers asked the family to pay 12,000 ringitt ($2,800) by a mobile banking service for their transfer to Malaysia. He said the family paid the sum but did not know the fate of the two teenaged girls. For years, Rohingya have boarded boats between November and April, when the seas are calm, to get to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. But coronavirus lockdowns have left boats stranded at sea. Dozens of people died aboard a boat that had to return to Bangladesh in April after running out of food and water, survivors told Reuters. [nL4N2CH0VK] Authorities in Malaysia detained 269 Rohingya who came ashore from a damaged boat last week. Human Rights Watch said about 70% of them were too weak to walk. "OFFSHORE CAMP" At least one vessel remains at sea, according to rights groups, with as many as 300 people on board, some of whom are believed to be sick. Its location is not known. "This boat has been turned into an offshore traffickers' camp," said Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan Project, a group focusing on the Rohingya crisis. She described the people at sea as hostages and said the latest demands were for 5,000 Malaysian ringgit ($1,170) per passenger to get to Malaysia. Also read: 15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29 An official with the Thai marine police said the vessel was not in Thai waters but had sought provisions from fishing boats. A second Thai police official, who also asked not to be named, said three boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya were close to Koh Adang, a Thai island, but on the Malaysian side of the border. Malaysian officials, including the country's maritime enforcement agency, did not respond to requests for comment. The agency said it turned away a boat carrying about 300 Rohingya last week, media reported. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017 following a military crackdown the United Nations has said was carried out with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies genocide, saying it was responding to attacks on security posts by Rohingya militants. Nearly a million Rohingya now live in camps in southeast Bangladesh. During a crackdown on trafficking networks that led to a similar crisis in 2015, gangs cast passengers adrift with meagre food and water. Many died at sea.

Traffickers demand payments for Rohingya stranded at sea

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