Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

No coronavirus cases have been detected in Narayanganj so far. However, in light of the risk of a new sub-variant of the virus, the district health department has issued an alert across the region. District Civil Surgeon Dr. A.F.M. Mushior Rahman and Khanpur 300-Bed Hospital Superintendent Dr. Abul Bashar stated that although the current variant is somewhat different from earlier strains, there is no reason to panic. They said, “As long as precautions are followed, the risk remains low. Awareness is the key to safety.” Due to a shortage of medical personnel, ICU services in Narayanganj are currently suspended.

Rapid antigen testing began on Tuesday (June 17) at the 300-bed hospital in Khanpur. On the first day, eight individuals were tested—none were positive. Two more were tested the following day and their results were also negative. Doctors report that an average of 8 to 10 people are being tested daily. At present, the hospital has a stock of 300 rapid antigen test kits. Preparations are underway to launch PCR testing as well.

Md. Saiful Salman, who is in charge of the statistics section at the Civil Surgeon’s Office, said, “There is currently a shortage of testing kits. The 300-bed hospital has been supplied with 200 kits and is conducting regular testing. A request for more kits has been submitted. Once received, testing can begin in district and upazila-level hospitals as well.”

The district health department has announced that all COVID-related testing, treatment, and consultation will take place at the Khanpur 300-bed Hospital. Meanwhile, Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital will continue to provide regular healthcare services. Though this division of services has caused some confusion among patients, health officials have clarified: all COVID-related cases will be handled exclusively at Khanpur.

Dr. Abul Bashar, Superintendent of the Khanpur 300-bed Hospital, said, “Rapid tests are ongoing, and PCR testing will begin soon. Isolated beds have been prepared for critical patients. However, the ICU is currently non-functional due to staff shortages.” Given this situation, the government has designated the DNCC Market Hospital in Dhaka as a dedicated COVID facility. There are plans to transfer critically ill patients there if needed. “ICU services are extremely crucial during this situation. We’ve sent a letter to the Director General requesting additional manpower,” he added.

It was in Narayanganj that Bangladesh’s first COVID case was identified on March 8, 2020. Due to the district’s dense population and industrial character, the virus spread rapidly, making Narayanganj a COVID epicenter. The country’s first lockdown was also declared here. In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared the end of the global health emergency. However, a case of the Omicron subvariant JN.1 was detected in Bangladesh in mid-January 2024. Due to its high transmissibility, the WHO has labeled JN.1 as a “variant of interest.”

According to the district health department, although the necessary equipment is available, the ICU remains non-operational due to lack of personnel. Given the current scenario, PCR labs and ICU units have become crucial once again.

As per data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh reported 7,559 COVID-related deaths in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2021—20,513. In 2022, there were 1,368 deaths, 37 in 2023, and 22 in 2024.

To prevent the spread of the new variant, the DGHS’s disease control wing has advised avoiding non-essential travel to India and several other countries. It has also ordered intensified health screening at land ports, airports, and seaports. Authorities have urged everyone to wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and maintain social distancing.

Although no COVID cases have been detected in Narayanganj yet, there’s no room for complacency. Every citizen of the city must remain alert. Even mild symptoms like fever or cold should not be ignored—medical consultation should be sought immediately. It’s essential to remember, just like before: Mask is a must, and health rules are your shield.