As Bangladesh once again faces a worrying uptick in Covid-19 cases, the nation stands at a critical juncture.
This newspaper on Wednesday reported that the resurgence, primarily driven by a highly transmissible sub-variant of the Omicron strain, is testing the robustness of our public health infrastructure and the vigilance of our authorities.
The latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirms a noticeable rise in daily infections, especially in major urban centres such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.
Though no new deaths have been reported and the overall recovery rate remains high, complacency would be a dangerous mistake.
Of particular concern is the apparent breakdown of screening protocols at key border entry points, notably at the Hili land port in Dinajpur.
Despite clear directives, reports suggest that individuals are entering the country without undergoing even basic health checks.
Such lapses, especially given the emergence of new variants in neighbouring India, are deeply alarming.
This failure in enforcement starkly contradicts the nationwide alert issued by health authorities and significantly heightens the risk of a wider outbreak.
While the Ministry of Health has reissued guidance on mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and public avoidance of crowded places, these measures are only effective if rigorously followed and enforced.
The government must act decisively—not just in policy, but in practical implementation.
Strengthened health screenings, rapid reactivation of testing booths at transport hubs, and clearer accountability mechanisms for local enforcement officials are urgently needed.
Vaccination efforts, particularly booster campaigns, must also be revitalised with enhanced outreach and improved accessibility.
Equally vital is the role of public responsibility. As Dr. Sabina Yasmin aptly noted, vaccination remains our strongest shield. We urge citizens to complete their doses, avoid misinformation, and follow health advisories strictly.
Bangladesh has successfully weathered previous waves of the Covid-19 pandemic. But with new variants, porous borders, and inconsistent enforcement, this resurgence could escalate quickly.
It is imperative that both authorities and the public treat this moment with the seriousness it demands.
The cost of inaction-or — insufficient action — could be severe.
The coming weeks will determine whether Bangladesh can contain this resurgence with minimal disruption or whether we face another national crisis.
