Editorial Team

As concern grows following the recent deaths of three individuals from COVID-19-the first fatalities in Bangladesh in nearly 18 months-public health experts and officials are calling for calm and vigilance rather than panic. The deaths, linked to newly emerging sub-variants of the Omicron JN.1 strain, have reignited discussions around pandemic preparedness and public health measures in the country.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed that the fatalities occurred in Dhaka and Chattogram between June 5 and June 13, prompting swift action from authorities to resume testing and make hospital arrangements. In response, DGHS has issued 11 precautionary guidelines, reinforcing the need for continued public cooperation in preventing another large-scale outbreak.

According to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), two new sub-variants-XFG and XFC-are responsible for the current wave of infections. These are offshoots of the Omicron JN.1 lineage and are believed to have higher transmissibility, although early indications suggest they may not cause severe illness in most individuals.

“Nearly all recent samples tested have detected the presence of the XFG variant,” said a senior icddr,b researcher. “While its spread is faster, the clinical severity appears to be milder, resembling seasonal flu or the common cold in most cases.”

DGHS Director General Professor Dr Abu Jafar, speaking to state news agency BSS, emphasized that there is no immediate cause for public alarm. “There hadn’t been any COVID-19 patients in the country for a long time, so our hospitals weren’t kept on standby. Now, a few cases are being found, and we’ve made preparations at Dhaka North City Corporation Hospital and Kurmitola General Hospital,” he said.

Currently, 50 general beds and 15 ICU beds have been allocated at DNCC’s dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Mohakhali. Additional beds are being arranged in hospitals in Mugda, Kurmitola, Khulna, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi to handle any surge in cases.

Dr Jafar also said that while testing has resumed, only individuals showing symptoms-such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties-are being recommended for testing. This measured approach, he noted, is designed to avoid overburdening the system while still monitoring for signs of a larger outbreak.

Vaccination remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s COVID-19 prevention strategy. AFM Shahabuddin Khan, Programme Manager of the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI), confirmed that the government currently has 3.2 million doses of the Pfizer-made vaccine in stock. Of these, 1.716 million doses have already been distributed to districts over the past two months and are set to expire by August 6.

“The vaccination campaign continues,” Dr Jafar reiterated. “People who have never been vaccinated-especially those over 18, pregnant women, and those working in close-contact environments-should take the vaccine. Those above 60 should ensure their doses are up to date.”

He added that the infection rate in Bangladesh remains comparatively lower than in neighboring countries like India, Thailand, and China, but that vigilance is necessary given the rise in cases regionally. Accordingly, DGHS has issued a travel advisory discouraging non-essential visits to high-risk countries.

Public health experts have repeatedly stressed that the new variants appear less dangerous than earlier strains of the virus. Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, adviser to icddr,b, told BSS that although the XFG and XFC variants are highly transmissible, their symptoms tend to be mild.

“The clinical profile of most cases resembles flu-like symptoms—cough, mild fever, and fatigue-which often do not require hospitalization,” he explained. “Because of this, many infected individuals are not even seeking testing, which makes tracking more difficult.”

However, Dr Ahmed warned against complacency. “If public health guidelines are not followed, the situation could worsen rapidly. We must return to basic hygiene practices—wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and staying home when sick.”

Dr Halimur Rashid, Director of Infectious Disease Control at DGHS, confirmed that COVID-19 testing services have resumed in major divisional hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College, Mugda Medical College, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, and Mymensingh.

“These facilities are equipped with RT-PCR laboratories and are currently handling symptomatic patients,” he said. “We’re also sourcing test kits from local manufacturers and have directed CMSD to import more kits if needed.”

Dr Rashid also noted that testing capacity will be scaled up based on infection trends, and that only those exhibiting symptoms will be eligible for testing to preserve resources.

The DGHS’s Health Portal (16263) has seen a notable increase in calls related to COVID-19 since the recent deaths. Dr Nizam Uddin Ahmed, CEO of the Health Portal, said this uptick indicates a renewed public interest in COVID-related information.

“We’ve noticed a significant rise in inquiries, especially from people concerned about the symptoms and vaccination,” he said. “We encourage everyone to call 16263 for any health-related advice.”

The DGHS has also asked the public to contact the nearest hospital, IEDCR (01401-196293), or the Health Portal in case of emergency or symptoms.

Health experts are particularly concerned about the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions, warning that these groups are at higher risk of complications. They have been advised to take extra precautions, such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, and using masks regularly.

“While the new variants may not pose a significant threat to the general population, they can be dangerous for vulnerable groups,” said Dr Rashid. “We don’t want to see a repeat of the situation from 2021 or 2022.”

Bangladesh first reported a COVID-19 case on March 8, 2020, and recorded its first death on March 18 of that year. Since then, the country has reported over 2.05 million infections and 29,502 deaths as of June 14, 2025. Notably, there were no recorded COVID-related deaths in 2024, while 37 died in 2023 and 1,368 in 2022.

The reappearance of deaths this year underscores the need for continued surveillance, targeted testing, and responsible public behavior. With memories of the devastating Delta wave still fresh, authorities hope that a proactive approach-paired with clear communication and community participation-will help avert another crisis.

In summary, while the emergence of XFG and XFC sub-variants has led to a spike in cases and a few fatalities, health officials insist that there is no need for panic. The current wave appears manageable with adequate preparation, responsible behavior, and adherence to public health guidelines.

“Everybody should be cautious,” said DGHS Director General Dr Abu Jafar. “But there is no need to be panicked.”