Omicron panic!



Kanak Joty, Contributing Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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A new variant of Covid Omicron has arrived in neighboring India. The variant was identified on Thursday (December 2) in Karnataka province. According to Indian media, one of the victims was a 66-year-old man and the other a 48-year-old woman. However, their other identities were not disclosed. It has been informed that all precautionary measures have been taken by keeping the victims in isolation and conducting tracing.

Meanwhile, so far this variant has been caught in 29 countries of the world. Research is underway to see if this variant has a stronger effect on the body than other variants. According to the World Health Organization, the answers to these questions will be known in the next few days.

In such a situation, two years after the outbreak of Corona, the whole world is worried about this new variant. Different parts of the world, including India, have imposed restrictions on communication with other countries. Because, those who have been infected with Covid before, they may be infected with Omicron again. Although it is not yet clear how contagious this variant is. The World Health Organization (WHO) says RT-PCR tests are able to detect this variant quickly. Research is underway to determine the effectiveness of the Covid vaccine against the new virus, the agency said.

Incidentally, the global pandemic Coronavirus is developing new strains before it is two years old. On the eve of its second birthday in December, Corona's brand new type of Omicron has once again engulfed the entire world in a horrible sheet of massive infection.

The Omicron variant is infected faster than the Covid's Delta variant. Epidemiologists are giving such an indication. This is the first time that research has been done on the type of Omicron infection that has been found in South Africa. As a result, vigilance and preparation is going on in the countries of the world.

Like the multifaceted majesty of danger, the types of corona have a name. The name Coronavirus itself originates from the Latin word corona, which means crown or necklace. The word corona itself comes from the Greek word, meaning garland or necklace. The name refers to the characteristic presence of virion (contagious form of the virus) through an electron microscope. The huge tubular surface of the virion has projected edges, which create the memory of the crown. Its morphology is made up of viral spike papilloma, which is basically a protein located on the surface of the virus.

Meanwhile, a new strain of Coronavirus, Omicron, which has recently created a new terror around the world, was first identified in South Africa on November 25. In just a few days, the deadly variant spread rapidly in several European countries, including Hong Kong, Israel, and even Australia. South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, are also at high risk due to the potential for new injuries.

According to pathologists or epidemiologists, Omicron is the second most contagious Covid strain to be found after Delta. However, there is a subtle politics behind the naming of this new variant.

Initially, when a new Covid variant was found from a country, the variant was named after that country. However, there was widespread controversy over the WHO's naming system. And then the World Health Organization walks the alternative path of naming.

The newly discovered strains were first identified by the letters of the Greek alphabet. Alpha, beta, delta, gamma - that's how the list went. In accordance with this rule, the strain found in Colombia in September of this year was named ‘Miu’ which is probably the twelfth letter of the Greek alphabet. But according to the calculations, the name of the newly discovered variant in South Africa should have been named after the thirteenth Greek letter 'New'. However, in naming the B1.1.529 variant available in South Africa, WHO have chosen the 15th letter Omicron, excluding the new letter "G" or "Shi".

But why are these two letters omitted? No, there is no politics hidden in the letter 'New'. Rather, the letter has been omitted because of its phonetic similarity to ‘new’ or new, for fear of creating disagreement. However, there are clear political reasons behind the omission of the letter 'Shi' or 'G'. The matter has also been acknowledged by the top scientist and epidemiologist of the variant naming panel, Martin Culdorf. Yes, the World Health Organization has avoided the letter because of its resemblance to the name of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The Corona pandemic was "born" in China at the end of 2019. The virus then spreads slowly throughout the world. Several heads of state, including then-US President Donald Trump and Bolsonaro, blamed China at the time.

Coronavirus has been dubbed the "Chinese virus" for political reasons, avoiding pathology. The theory of virus transmission came up more than once in biological weapons laboratories. It was also said that China's political conspiracy.

As a result, Asian expatriates have become victims of social violence around the world since the beginning of the political debate over the virus. Especially in America, the people of Southeast Asia continue to be terribly affected. The World Health Organization has taken such a tactical step to stop that violence. However, while WHO’s decision was hailed in the scientific community, it is still debated in the political arena. Many are also complaining that China has been discriminated against. But some politicians and Netizens have resolved this controversy

The main challenge now is to prevent this particularly contagious variant.

Incidentally, in the context of the political controversy surrounding the global pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) began identifying new species in Greek letters. The new naming system was announced on May 31 in favor of the organization. The type that has been identified in the UK has been named 'Alpha'. In South Africa, the corona's identification is known as 'beta'. The variant identified in Brazil has been named 'Gamma'. The type of corona that wreaked havoc across India in the second wave has been dubbed 'Delta'.

However, this did not stop the debate. On the contrary, since there are 24 letters in the Greek alphabet, a new question arises, if more than 24 types of corona are identified, how will the naming be done? For that reason, the World Health Organization has announced a new method of naming in the future.

Maria Van Kerkhov, technical director of the World Health Organization, said: Therefore, no country should be discriminated against for identifying and reporting the type of corona. New names are not being used in scientific names. Rather this simple method of naming has been introduced for the convenience of understanding. Because it is difficult to pronounce, there is a risk of calling new variants by scientific names.

   

Prime Minister’s directives to be proactive in dealing with LDC transition and challenges



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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In 2026, Bangladesh will get to be promoted from the Least Developed Country (LDC) list to a developing country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions on what benefits will be available from abroad and what challenges will be faced. Also, the head of government ordered to be proactive in dealing with the problem from now on.

She gave this instruction at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday (March 28).

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Sheikh Hasina. At the end of the meeting Minister of Planning Major General (retd.) Abdus Salam and Minister of State for Planning Md. Shahiduzzaman Sarkar gave details in the press conference. At that time, Secretary of Planning Division Satyajit Karmakar and members of Planning Commission were present.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the projects which are in the last stage should be completed by releasing money quickly.

ECNEC meeting approved Chancery House construction project in Egypt. The Prime Minister has asked to keep booths and waiting areas for serving expatriates there. Apart from this, Union Parishad Complex construction projects have also been approved in all districts of Bangladesh. She ordered to complete the work of this project as soon as possible and to preserve the rain water there.

Sheikh Hasina has said that a special system for training women will be kept in the new complex of the Weaving Board. Along with that, she instructed all the upazilas of Kurigram to prevent river erosion and work keeping in mind the risk of erosion in the construction of roads.

It is to be noted that 11 projects at a cost of Tk. 8 thousand 425 crore 51 lakh have been approved in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Out of this, Tk. 7 thousand 939 crore 87 lakh will be available from government funds and 485 crore 64 lakh rupees from project loans.

Approved projects include - Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Residential Building in Cairo, Egypt, Procurement of 20 Meter Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotive and 150 Meter Gauge Passenger Carriage (1st Revised) for Bangladesh Railways, Kashinathpur-Dashuria-Nator-Rajshahi-Nawabganj-Kansat-Sonamsjid-Baliadighi Border (N-06) Improvement of National Highway to appropriate standard and width (Nawabganj section), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock infrastructure development (1st phase) to increase the capacity of existing government fish farms and fish production, Improvement of Fish Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar District Scheme, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme of Districts of Greater Rangpur Region, Construction of Union Parishad Complex Building (3rd Phase), Establishment of Comprehensive Cancer, Heart Disease and Kidney Treatment Centers in 8 Divisional Towns Health Services Department (1st Revised) etc.

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‘Bangladeshi Americans are working to strengthen the relationship between the two countries’



News Desk, Barta24.com
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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The US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Ambassador Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans to building the foundations of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Lu was addressing as the Guest of Honour a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the celebration of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.


Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it’s their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.


“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” he said.

In this connection, Mr. Donald Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.

The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla”.


In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshi people living at home at abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day.

He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of independence.

Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment our two countries’ relations, there prevailed excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States playing a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.

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He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all. We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation, Ambassador Imran said.

He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realize the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests. Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organizations were present at the function.

The event was also attended by Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League and the members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

To celebrate the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.

The day’s programs began in the morning with ceremonially hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Muhammad Imran on the Chancery premises. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.

Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the officials of the Embassy.

The messages issued on the occasion by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Ms Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.

Later, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the Independence and National Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy Shamima Yeasmin Smrite and First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programs.

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MV Abdullah, pirates bringing food from the shore



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Chattogram
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Food is running low on Bangladeshi ships held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia. For this reason, after two weeks of hostage taking, the bandits started bringing food to the ship named MV Abdullah from shore. The news was confirmed on Wednesday (March 27) by Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, the organization of the ship's owners and sailors.

The sailors had 25 days of food when the pirates took the ship hostage on March 12. 16 days of hostage-taking have already passed. At this time, along with the sailors, the pirates also shared the ship's food.

Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association is maintaining communication with the ship's sailors. Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of the organization, said that bandits bring food for their own benefit. They have received news that Tehari food was also brought in the MV Abdullah ship.

Earlier in 2010, the hijacked MV Jahan Mani was also supplied by pirates after it ran out of food. After about 100 days, the ship with the sailors was freed. Mohammad Idris, a sailor on that ship, said that after taking hostages, the frozen food was spoiled because the ship's refrigerator was closed at one stage. At the end of the hostage-taking, when the food ran out, the bandits used to supply food from the shore.

Normally, a day's worth of food is kept aboard the ship for a little longer than the days it will take to reach the destination. The hostage Bangladeshi ship was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean en route from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates. This journey took 15 days. As such, the ship did not have much food for the day.

Mizanul Islam, media adviser of Kabir Group, the owner of the ship, said that the hostage sailors are healthy. There is nothing to worry about if the sailors are running out of food on board because bandits are bringing food to the ship from the shore.

Owners said negotiations with the pirates are continuing to bring back the hostage Bangladeshi ship and sailors. The owners hope to reach an agreement with the bandits soon.

When asked about this, Mizanul Islam said, "We are working to quickly negotiate with the bandits and bring the sailors back safely."

According to the concerned sources, the ship is now anchored one and a half nautical miles from Jefal coast of Gadhavjiran district by the pirates. A warship was deployed by the European Union Navy on March 21 near the ship.

BBC Somalia reported that Somalia's Puntland police are conducting an operation to cut off communication from the hostage ship to the ground.

At first, the pirates kept the sailors in a cell as the pressure increased from both the water and the land side. However, after confirming that the Bangladeshi owner of the ship is not in favor of any military operation, that is, the warship of the European Union will not carry out any operation, now the pirates are allowing the sailors to stay in the cabin.

A leader of the seamen's organization said that it depends on the bandits when the reconciliation will happen because if they persist in their demands, it will delay reaching a compromise. However, considering the current situation, there may be a quick compromise. 

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Release of 10 abductees in Teknaf for a ransom of about Tk. 2 lakh



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Cox’s Bazar
ছবি: বার্তা২৪.কম

ছবি: বার্তা২৪.কম

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The abductors released 10 teenagers and young men who were abducted while going to work in the morning in Teknaf on Wednesday (March 27) night in exchange for a ransom of Tk. 1,90,000. Relatives said that they had returned home while they were kidnapped from Hoaikung and Roikhong hill in Teknaf.

The abductees are Junaid (12) and Mohammad Noor (10) two sons of Belal from Karachi Para area of Hoikung Union in Teknaf, Shakil (15) son of Ledur from the same area, Farid Alam (35) son of Shahar Ali, Aktar (25) son of Nurul Islam. Ismail Prakash Sonaya (24) son of Nazir Hossain and Sayed Hossain Babul (26) son of Ali Akbar of Hoaikung Raiokhong area, Fazal Quader (40) son of Kala Mia. The names of the remaining 2 have not been found.

They were released on the hill west of Rohingya Camp No. 22, Huaikong Range, Teknaf at 11pm on Wednesday. From there the family members went and rescued them. At present, those 10 people have been taken to the Waikong police outpost.

Ledu Mia, the father of Shakil who returned, said that the kidnappers returned the boy with a ransom of 20 thousand taka at 11 pm. Borrowing money from people in times of trouble, I rescued my son from the hand of the abductor. All 10 people who were with the son returned with ransom.

Sheikh Kabir, village police of Hoikyong Kanjor Para area, said that 10 teenagers and young men went to work in the hills in the morning. The kidnappers abducted them and took them to the mountains. Later, the abductors left 10 people in the west of Rohingya Camp No. 22 Raiokhong with a ransom of Tk. 1 lakh and 90 thousand. Family members went and rescued them later.

On March 26 and 27, these 10 teenagers and young men were abducted while grazing cows and working in the forest at Hoikyong Raiokhong Badibanya Hill in Teknaf.

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