Covid-19 Claims First Life in Dhaka This Year as Cases Rise Again

Dhaka, Bangladesh - A man has died from Covid-19 in Dhaka, marking a grim milestone as the first reported Covid-19 death in 2025. According to Asianews, the deceased was receiving treatment at a private hospital, and his passing brings the official Covid-19 death toll in Bangladesh to 29,500, with a total of 2,051,739 confirmed cases since the onset of the pandemic on March 18, 2020.

In the last 24 hours leading up to 8:00 am today, three new Covid-19 infections were reported among just 21 samples tested, indicating a positivity rate of 14.29 percent. Alarming trends are beginning to emerge again, as health officials notice a steady spike in cases, causing rising concern among the populace. Despite this, the recovery rate remains encouraging at 98.42 percent, although the death rate lingers at 1.44 percent.

The Ongoing Struggle with Covid-19

The current landscape of the pandemic underscores the pressures on Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Despite nationwide efforts to combat the spread of the virus, including lockdown measures and travel bans introduced since early 2020, challenges remain profound, particularly in densely populated areas like Dhaka. According to PMC, social distancing practices are virtually impossible in slums where many live packed together with limited access to hygiene facilities.

Furthermore, Bangladesh’s initial response to the Covid-19 crisis, including testing capabilities, has been scrutinized. With only a limited number of tests conducted early in the pandemic, concerns over data reliability persisted—problems that the current government is still wrestling with. The government has expanded testing facilities to 17 labs but continues to face significant hurdles regarding testing rates and overall health service availability.

Dengue Fever on the Rise

Compounding the worry is a notable uptick in dengue fever cases, as reported in the last 24 hours. Sixty-two people were admitted to hospitals for dengue treatment, although no new fatalities have been linked to the fever, according to Asianews. The concurrent challenges of Covid-19 and dengue fever are straining resources further, making it imperative for health authorities to bolster their responses.

For health inquiries regarding Covid-19 and dengue, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has provided contact numbers, ensuring the public has access to essential information regarding testing and medical assistance. The dynamic dashboard from the DGHS also offers regular updates, but the quality of data may vary, reflecting ongoing challenges in reporting accuracy and completeness.

Overall, the situation poses undeniable challenges for Bangladesh—a lower-middle-income country grappling with an intricate web of health crises. As the nation seeks to navigate these turbulent waters, the call for a collaborative effort involving the government, healthcare professionals, and international support has never been greater. The need for effective communication and mental health support is crucial as the population faces ongoing fear and anxiety surrounding these dual public health threats.