Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a fresh warning following a surge in new COVID-19 sub-variants, including Omicron LF.7, XFG, JN-1, and NB 1.8.1, in neighboring countries like India. The advisory instructed authorities to strengthen screening and surveillance at all land, sea, and airports with dedicated International Health Regulation (IHR-2005) desks. Temperature checks must be conducted using non-contact thermometers and thermal scanners. Hospitals have been advised to stock adequate supplies of masks, gloves, and protective gear for healthcare workers. Citizens have been urged to avoid traveling to India or other affected countries unless absolutely necessary, strictly adhere to health guidelines, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Following Bangladesh Railway, the Dhaka Metro Rail authorities have also urged passengers to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Earlier, the Ministry of Railways issued a notification citing the rising infection rate in the country and recommended wearing masks in crowded areas as advised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Notably, after a long pause, Bangladesh recently reported a COVID-19-related death last Thursday, with health officials warning of an upward trend in infection rates.

At least 28 people, including 10 women and 4 children, were killed in a horrific road accident in southwestern Tanzania near the Zambian border on Saturday night. A speeding truck lost control and crashed into two vehicles. Rescue teams responded quickly, and the injured were taken to a local hospital. Authorities blamed the driver’s negligence, especially while descending the steep Iwambi Hills. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow. Road accidents remain a serious issue in Tanzania, with thousands dying annually, according to WHO data.

Tarek Mahmud Utsab, a 23-year-old student at a private university in Dhaka, died in a motorcycle accident while returning from a post-Eid trip with friends. The accident occurred on Sunday evening near the Nengtichhora Bridge in Taraganj, Rangpur, when a minibus hit his motorcycle as they attempted to overtake a van. Utsab died on the spot, while his friend Zakir Hossain was injured. The group of six had planned to visit tourist spots in Dinajpur and Nilphamari during the Eid holiday.

Two people were killed and six others injured, including a child, in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a CNG-run auto rickshaw on Sunday in Chandpur’s Matlob South upazila. The deceased were identified as the rickshaw driver and a passenger. Several injured are receiving treatment at Chandpur General Hospital, while one has been referred to Dhaka. Eyewitnesses reported that all rickshaw passengers were seriously injured. Police have seized both vehicles, and an investigation is underway.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has announced that while over 466,000 sacrificial animals were slaughtered this Eid, the total number has slightly decreased compared to last year. However, the volume of waste has increased. “As of 2 PM today, we have collected 20,889 tons of waste and sent it to landfills. Our initial target of 20,000 tons has been achieved,” he said. Ejaz credited the awareness and cooperation of city residents for the efficient cleanup effort, noting significant improvements in maintaining cleanliness across Dhaka North.

Animal hide prices are higher this year compared to previous years, according to Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin. During a visit to Posta in Old Dhaka, he said market dynamics—not the government—will determine the price of salt-free hides. He also dismissed rumors about the low pricing of semi-rotten hides, stating that preservation and storage measures have been implemented following the chief adviser’s guidance. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman was also present during the inspection.

Two police officers were injured in Noakhali’s Hatia when a group of 30-40 men attacked law enforcement officers and forcibly freed a detainee in handcuffs. The detainee, Miraj Uddin, was arrested Sunday night in connection with a women and child abuse case. While being transported to the station, the group, led by a man named Yasin, attacked the police and managed to snatch Miraj away. A case has been filed against five identified individuals at Hatia Police Station.

Although the government raised the official price of sacrificial animal hides this Eid, actual market rates fell short, with cowhides selling below set prices. The poor, who rely on hide donations for aid, suffered most. Traders also faced losses due to low demand and high transportation costs. Tannery owners were reluctant to pay fair rates, and goat hides saw almost no demand. Despite a slight improvement from previous years, overall dissatisfaction persisted across the leather market, particularly outside Dhaka.

A total of 942 people have received treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka following injuries sustained during animal sacrifices on Eid-ul-Adha. Of them, 324 remain hospitalized, according to consultant Dr. Ripon Ghosh. On Eid day alone, 325 people sought treatment for fractures and cuts, with 102 requiring emergency surgery. An additional 301 were admitted on the second day of Eid, while 316 were treated prior to Eid after being injured while purchasing sacrificial animals.

As Dhaka quiets during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, many who stayed behind are flocking to historical sites like Lalbagh Fort. Families, students, and tourists are enjoying the festive atmosphere and exploring the Mughal-era monument. While visitors appreciate the fort’s heritage and ambiance, they also noted issues like littering and lack of information displays. Authorities have kept the museum open throughout the holiday week. Visitors say improved cleanliness and signage could enhance the experience and attract even more people to this historic site.

Hassan Atik, a journalist and writer from Basail, Tangail, was seriously injured in an attack by a neighbor over complaints about an illegal spice mill releasing chili dust near his home. The incident occurred when Atik asked the mill owner to temporarily stop operations to protect his family’s health. During the attack, both Atik and his wife were hurt. Police have started an investigation, and Atik is currently receiving treatment at the local health complex.

Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has stated that delays in salting raw hides during Eid-ul-Adha led to lower-than-expected prices for many sellers. However, the market for salted hides remains stable. He mentioned that government efforts helped prevent widespread spoilage, with around 30,000 tons of salt distributed this year. Due to Lumpy Skin Disease, up to 30% of hides were still at risk of damage. Meanwhile, Adviser Bashir Uddin noted that some seasonal traders sold semi-rotted hides for Tk 700-800, while quality hides fetched Tk 1,200-1,300.

At least 30 people were injured in a collision involving four buses and a parked truck near Mahilara Bazaar on the Dhaka-Barisal highway in Gournadi, Barisal. The accident occurred around 9:30 PM on Sunday, causing the highway to close for nearly an hour and resulting in severe traffic congestion. Emergency services rescued the injured and transferred the seriously hurt to Barisal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital. The accident vehicles were later removed, and traffic resumed normally.

Seasonal Faria traders in Comilla face financial difficulties as wholesalers and syndicates refuse to buy hides at government-fixed rates. Over 100 traders are stuck with salted hides, waiting for better prices. Traders fear losing capital and possible smuggling of hides to India due to low prices. The absence of district-level monitoring worsens the situation. Authorities have intensified border surveillance to prevent hide smuggling during the sacrificial season, aiming to protect local traders and control illegal exports.