Day: March 21, 2023

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ECNEC approves Tk 426cr project to strengthen village courts

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved a Taka 426.35 crore project to strengthen the village courts across the country in order to ensure wider access of rural poor, female, lagging behind and under privilege people in getting justice.

The approval came from a meeting of the ECNEC held with its chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

Briefing the reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said that the day’s meeting approved a total of nine projects with an overall of estimated cost of Taka 1,730.38 crore.

“Of the total project cost, Taka 633.52 crore will come from the government, Taka 1.44 crore from the concerned organization’s own fund while the rest of Taka 1,095.42 crore as project assistance,”Of the approved nine projects, four are new while five are revised projects.

The Local Government Division under the Ministry of LGRD and Cooperatives will implement the Strengthening of village courts (3rd phase) project with a cost of Taka 426.35 crore.

Of the total project cost, Taka 157.51 crore will come from the government fund while the rest of Taka 268.84 crore as grant from EU and UNDP.

Once the project is implemented, it would be possible to fulfill the demands of rural people related to Justice side by side the capacity of the local authorities would be enhanced in delivering due legal services.

The other projects approved in the meeting are : Enhancing capacity of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in combating terrorism and ensuring public security, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 229.82 crore, Construction of 112 residential flats for the officials of Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat at

Agargaon with Taka 98.22 crore, Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 588.67 crore, Feasibility study to construct important bridges on rural roads with Taka 80 crore, Countrywide mobile library project, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Taka 37.47 crore, The

project for the improvement of equipment for technical education with Taka 98.01 crore, Establishment of Dhaka Technical Teachers Training Institute, 3rd revised, with a reduced cost of Taka 2.55 crore and Installation of prepaid gas meter for TGTDCL, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Taka 174.39 crore.

Ministers and State Ministers attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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PM emphasizes again on boosting agri-production, not keeping land uncultivated

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today emphasized again on boosting of agricultural production in the country alongside ensuring proper preservation, processing and exporting of those abroad.

The Premier also urged all concerned to give proper attention in cultivation, preservation and processing of pulse, onion and mustard oil side by side ensuring that no land remains idle and thus comes under cultivation.

The Prime Minister gave the directives while chairing a meeting on the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) held at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area here today.

State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present at the briefing.

Briefing the reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said that the Prime Minister stressed again on not keeping any land idle and thus bringing those under cultivation.

In this connection, Mannan said the Prime Minister noted that Sylhet region still has much land remaining idle or without cultivation and suggested to bring those land under cultivation.

She asked the concerned authorities to provide necessary support including technical support and expertise to those Shrimp Gher owners in the coastal region so that they could clear sand, owing to cyclones, storms and tidal surge, from their ghers.

The Premier emphasized on putting more attention on cultivating local variety of fishes instead of promoting foreign varieties.

She also expressed her reservation on using the word “poverty alleviation” in any project side by side to use more the words human resource development.

Sheikh Hasina said it is not always wise to build only structures under any project, but there is also a need for grooming necessary manpower and imparting them proper training to run the machineries and equipments under the structures and building to render services to the people.

The Planning Minister said that the Prime Minister also underscored the need for using locally assembled vehicles preferably from Pragati in the government projects instead of the imported vehicles.

Besides, she reiterated that the project directors should work in their respected projects and sites instead of discharging their responsibilities as in additional charge.

Mannan said that the Premier also directed the concerned authorities to follow respective rules and regulations in the project management as well as trying to reduce the tendency of engaging foreign consultants in the development projects.

Touching upon the current macroeconomic situation of the country, he said that the general point to point inflation has increased slightly in February while it could be increased further in March.

“If there is a bumper Boro harvest, then inflation may come down from Baishakh, but there should not be excessive rainfall during this period,” he added.

The Planning Minister said that the overall economy is now in a much better state compared to the past adding, “If the inward remittance, export earnings and crops yield go in the same direction, then there is nothing to worry,”

He said that for a developing country like Bangladesh, the supply side is very important.

Mannan noted that in economies like Bangladesh, the flow of goods is not smooth while there are also some unseen and unknown difficulties.

“Inherent difficulties are there and we’re trying to minimize those to tame inflation, but we can’t just eliminate those,” he added.

He said in growing economies like Bangladesh, it is not possible to tame fully the inflation, rather it can be reduced.

When asked about any specific directive from the Prime Minister to rein in inflation during the ensuing Holy Month of Ramadan, Mannan said that there is a tendency among the people to resort to “panic buying” ahead and during the Ramadan which gives the “Smart Businessmen” to capitalize on the situation.

He said that the Prime Minister has asked all concerned to remain cautious in this regard.

The Planning Minister said that the government is stressing more on the supply side to keep the market stable.

He also said that the ECNEC also thanked the Prime Minister as the newly built Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline has been inaugurated recently.

The two neighbours built a 131.57-km cross-border pipeline through which Bangladesh will import petroleum, especially diesel from India.

Planning Division Secretary Satyajit Karmakar said that the Prime Minister asked all concerned to remain cautious before the project formulation.

He said that the trend of revisioning of projects would come down in the future ECNEC meetings.

Echoing with the Planning Secretary, the Planning Minister said that they are trying desperately in this regard.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Purba Panchapukur, Bancharampur win Bangabandhu, Bangamata Gold cup title

Purba Panchapukur Primary Government School (Nilphamari Sadar) of Rangpur Division won the title of Bangabandhu Gold Cup Primary School Football-2022 beating Binodpur Collegepara Govt. Primary School (Rajbari Sadar)of Dhaka Division by 2-0 goals in the grand final held today (Tuesday) at Bangladesh Army Stadium here.

While Bancharampur Model Government Primary School of Chattogram Division clinched the title of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Gold Cup Primary School Football Tournament 2022 defeating Nalma Govt. Primary School(Ghatail, Tangail) by 2-1 goals in the final match also held today at the same venue.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed prizes and medals among the members of the champion and runner up teams of the two tournaments after the finals.

In the Bangabandhu Gold Cup Tournament, highest scorer (4 goals) Jahim and best player Monirul Islam, both from Purba Panchapukur Primary School, received the golden boot and the golden ball alongside prize money respectively from the premier.

In the Bangamata Gold Cup Tournament, highest scorer Nur Nahar Akter of Bancharampur Model Primary School and Rumi of Nalma Primary School received the golden boot and the golden ball along with prize money respectively from Sheikh Hasina.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossen and Primary and Mass Education Secretary Farid Ahmed, were among others, also present on the occasion.

A total of 11,13,993 boys from 65,529 schools and 11,13,976 girls from 65,528 schools participated in the countrywide tournaments of 2022, arranged by the Primary and Mass Education Ministry.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Afif, Shoriful axed from 3rd ODI against Ireland

Middle order batter Afif Hossain and medium pacer Shoriful Islam were axed from the third and final one-day International against visiting Ireland, which will be held on Thursday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

They will now head to Dhaka to play the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) for their respective sides. The team however was trimmed to 14 from 16 after those two players were left out.

Bangladesh led the series 1-0 following their 183-run in the first ODI, which was their largest ever victory in this format. The second ODI was washed out after Bangladesh compiled its highest ever ODI total of 349-6, thanks to a blistering 60 ball-100 not out off Mushfiqur Rahim.

In doing so, Mushfiqur hit the fastest ODI ton by a Bangladeshi batter, eclipsing Shakib Al Hasan's 63-ball-century against Zimbabwe in 2009.

Following his poor form, Afif for the first time was dropped from the best XI during the third ODI against England. Later he couldn't make way in the first two ODIs against Ireland also. His absence mattered little as Bangladesh posted their two best totals in their history in those two matches.

Meanwhile, allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz recovered from the eye injury which he sustained during the team's football playing session ahead of the first ODI. He is now available for selection in the third match.

Bangladesh team for the third ODI: Tamim Iqbal (captain), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Rony Talukdar and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Bangladesh face strong Russia in SAFF U-17 Championship tomorrow

After a thumping victory over Bhutan, Bangladesh

face favorite Russia in their second match of SAFF U-17 Women's Championship

scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy

Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in the city's Kamalapur area.

The match kicks off at 3.15 pm.

Russia, who are set to feature in the tournament for the first time as a

guest nation following its suspension by UEFA, is always tough opponent and

one of the favorite sides of the championship and it will not be an easy job

for skipper Ruma Akter and co. to accept the challenge. Although the girls

are excited and looking forward to play the match, following their stunning

performance crushing Bhutan 8-1 in their opening match of the championship.

Bangladesh is always favorite in home in any women's tournament but

Bangladesh's head coach Golam Robbani Chotan this time understood the reality

as his team is going to face a tough opponent. In his eyes, Russia is the

favorite in this tournament because among the five participating countries in

the tournament, Russia ranked 26 in FIFA ranking followed by India 61, Nepal

103, Bangladesh 140 and Bhutan 177.

Even though Russia is considered as favorite in the championship, but

Bangladesh want to do something good with their best. Except Nusrat Jahan

Mitu, Trishna Rani and Surovi Akand Preeti of the U-20 team, most of the

remaining players are the members of SAFF U-15 championship held in November

last year.

The girls have been making rigorous training with the seniors for this

tournament since January 1. Captain Ruma Akhtar said that their preparation

is good.

Only three teams took part in the SAFF U-15 championship with Bangladesh

finished runners-up, but this time the challenge is a little more for Golam

Robbani Choton because Bangladesh will have to face the strongest team in the

region India and European country Russia in this tournament.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Rupganj overcomes Tanzid scare to secure third win in DPL

Promising youngster Tanzid Hasan Tamim blasted his career-best 142 but that was not enough to resist Legends of Rupganj juggernaut.

Overcoming Tanzid's run-a-ball knock, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza-led Rupganj sealed a three-wicket victory over Brothers Union to secure their third straight win in the Dhaka Premier League today at BKSP-3 ground.

Defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and title aspirants Prime Bank Cricket Club also recorded their third successive victory at different venues across the city today, beating their respective opponents.

Legends of Rupganj vs Brothers Union

Riding on Tanzid's 142 ball-142 that included 14 fours and four sixes, Brothers Union posted 299-5 after being put into bat first. While Tanzid's knock was instrumental to keep the side in the hunt for a big total, Myshukur Rahman played 49 ball-53 not out to push the score closer to 300-run mark.

Rupganj however raced to the victory with eight balls to spare, reaching 302-7 with Indian recruit Chirag Jani playing the vital role with 84 ball-74, a knock laced with seven fours and one six.

But it was youngster Parvej Hossain Emon who gave the side a flying start in the chase of a big total. His six-laden knock made the Brothers bowler hapless, making a platform for Chriag Jani. Before being out by Sabbir Hossain who claimed 3-41, Emon hammered 43 ball-66 with four fours and seven sixes. Wicket-keeper Irfan Shukkur was the other notable scorer with 53.

Prime Bank vs Shinepukur

Skipper Mohammad Mithun struck a brilliant 93 as Prime Bank outclassed Shinepukur Cricket Club by 78 runs for their third straight victory at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Thanks to Mithun's knock, which was complemented by Adil Amin's 64 not out, Prime Bank piled up 295-8. Opener Prantik Nawrose Nabil chipped-in-with 43 and Al-Amin added 39.

Fast bowler Rubel Hossain returned figures of 4-36 and was ably supported by fellow pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja's 2-41 as Prime Bank defended the total with ease, wrapping up Shinepukur's innings for 217 in 45.1 overs.

Sri Lanka recruit Sangeeth Cooray who was given the captaincy of the team, made highest 49 for Shinepukur.

Sheikh Jamal vs City Club

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club clinched a narrow 5-run victory over City Club by DLS method in the rain-hit game at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.

Opting to bat first, Sheikh Jamal put on 228 before being all out in 49.4 overs with Saif Hassan striking 56 and Shykat Ali making 52.

They gave the side a solid start, sharing 110-run for the opening stand but Rupganj middle order batters failed to capitalize on. Taibur Rahman was the other notable scorer with 39.

City Club captain Robiul Haque had figures of 4-36 while Taufik Ahmed snared 2-61.

City Club's target was set 168 in 32 overs after the rain interrupted the proceedings. However, they were able to reach 162-8 in 32 overs and conceded a 5-run defeat.

Pacer Shafiqul Isalm took 3-37 to wreak havoc on the City batting line up. Opener Tawfiq Khan Tushar was the highest scorer for the team with 42.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Tournaments to produce World Cup football players: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the players who will play the World Cup Football for Bangladesh in future will be coming out from school and other tournaments.

"Bangladesh will play the World Cup Football in future and the players will be coming out from the tournaments," she said.

She was addressing the prize distribution ceremony of Bangabandhu Gold Cup Primary School Football Tournament-2022 and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Gold Cup Primary School Football Tournament-2022 held at the Army Stadium here in the capital.

The Prime Minister asked all concerned to hold more sports competitions such as the inter-school, inter-upazila and inter-district, inter-college and inter-university competitions across the country that help finding out the real talents.

Apart from sports, she said, all should put emphasis on cultural practices, reading books of stories, history, science and technology alongside the textbooks to groom the primary school students as worthy citizens.

The Prime Minister asked the students to be attentive to studies to groom yourselves as worthy ones, saying: "You are the main strength for Bangladesh."

"The sports is the means of physical exercise. Sports brings mental strength and makes the mind further liberal... Alongside sports, you will have to pay attention to studies as well. You will have to prepare yourselves as the worthy citizens of an independent country," she said.

The premier said: "You all will have to prepare yourselves with human qualities."

Sheikh Hasina hoped that the children of Bangladesh will show excellent performance in every sector, including study, sports and games, alongside cultural programmes and bring dignity for the country, joining in the international competitions.

"Today, we've transformed the country into a Digital Bangladesh and we are working to build the country as Smart Bangladesh in future. You will be the main strength of Smart Bangladesh," she said.

Sheikh Hasina asked the children to maintain a disciplined life always, obey the guardians, teachers and parents, maintain good terms with their peers and behave well with disabled persons, including the autistic ones.

"You'll have to prepare yourselves on the whole. Keep in mind from now on that you will be the most qualified and will build you as the worthiest citizen," she said.

Earlier, the premier enjoyed the second half of the grand final held between Nalma Government Primary School (Ghatail, Tangail) of Dhaka Division and Bancharampur Model Government Primary School (Brahmanbaria) of Chittagong Division.

Bancharampur Model Government Primary School clinched the title of Bangamata Gold Cup-2022 defeating Nalma Government Primary School in the grand final match.

Purba Panchapukur Primary Government School (Nilphamari Sadar) of Rangpur Division won the title of Bangabandhu Gold Cup-2022 beating Binodpur Collegepara Govt Primary School (Rajbari Sadar)of Dhaka Division in the grand final match.

A total of 11,13,993 boys from 65,529 schools and 11,13,976 girls from 65,528 schools participated in the countrywide tournaments of 2022, arranged by the Primary and Mass Education Ministry.

The Prime Minister distributed prizes and medals among the members of the champion and runner up teams of the two tournaments.

In the Bangabandhu Gold Cup Tournament, highest scorer (4 goals) Jahim and best player Monirul Islam, both from Purba Panchapukur Primary School, received the golden boot and the golden ball alongside prize money respectively from the premier.

In the Bangamata Gold Cup Tournament, highest scorer Nur Nahar Akter of Bancharampur Model Primary School and Rumi of Nalma Primary School received the golden boot and the golden ball along with prize money respectively from Sheikh Hasina.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossen and Primary and Mass Education Secretary Farid Ahmed spoke at the function.

Mentioning that that she is a member of a football family, Sheikh Hasina said her grandfather, father and brothers -Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal-- used to play football.

"Sheikh Kamal is the architect of today's modern football in Bangladesh ," she said.

She said Abahani Krira Chakra was founded in the hand of Sheikh Kamal.

"He had contributed to the development of the sports in this country," she said, adding that Kamal and Jamal were involved in all sorts of sports including football and hockey.

The PM said Kamal's wife Sultana was a sports person and Jamal's wife Rosy was also an expert in sports.

"So, I am a person of a football family. My grandchildren love to play football as well and they play football. Sheikh Rehana's grandchildren also play football," she said.

Assuming power in 2009, she said, her government started the development of sports from the grassroots and introduced inter-school sports competitions.

The premier congratulated the champions and the runner-ups of the tournaments

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Bangladesh win hat-trick title of Bangabandhu Cup Int’l Kabaddi

Bangladesh won the hat-trick title of prestigious Bangabandhu Cup Int'l Kabaddi tournament beating Chinese Taipei 42-28 in the final held today (Tuesday) at Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in the city.

Bangladesh won the title first edition of the meet in 2021 and successfully retained the title for two consecutive editions.

The first edition was participated by five teams, the second one involved eight teams in 2022 and this year the third one- involved 12 teams.

It can be mentionable that Bangladesh never tasted any defeat in the three editions till date.

Both the finalists Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei qualified for the next edition of Kabaddi World Cup billed to be held next year.

However Chinese Taipei offered some strong challenge from the very beginning with their agility and fitness and it was a neck to neck fight in the initial minutes. Chinese Taipei led the initial minutes and in the sixth minute the score line was tied 6-6.

Bangladesh for the first time took the lead in the 11th minute with the scoreline of 8-7. Bangladesh earned three Lonas in the final and the first one was inflicted in the 15th minute. A fine raid by inspiring skipper Tuhin Tarafder saw two Taipei players ousted consequentially ending in the first lona.

Bangladesh finished the first half with lead of 20-14.

After the change of ends, the hosts team continued their onslaught and it was Tuhin Tarafder who carried the flag again. He managed to get past the two existing Taipei players resulting the second lona of the match. Bangladesh started to fire all cylinder from that moment and the margin of points also started to get bigger. Efficient time and player management never allowed Taipei to get past the gridlock of Bangladesh and Bangladesh had the last laugh.

Tuhin Tarafder with his 16 points grabbed the best player and best catcher of the final award while Mizanur Rahman was adjudged the best player and best raider of the meet.

State minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Zahid Ahsan Rusel, MP, distributed the prizes as the chief guest. Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, the president of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation and the Inspector General of Bangladesh Police presided over the occasion. Habibur Rahman, the Additional IG of Bangladesh Police and the General Secretary of Kabaddi Federation, Mohammad Sarwar, the secretary general of Asian Kabaddi Federation, Sathasivanm Munisami, the secretary general of Int'l Kabaddi Federation and the representatives of sponsors was also present among others.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Prof Arefin mourns death of sculptor Shamim Sikder

Dhaka University (DU) former Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Ekushey Padak winning sculptor Shamim Sikder.

In a message of condolence, he said Shamim Sikder’s death created a deep vacuum in the field of education especially in fine arts education.

Prof Arefin, also chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), said Shamim Sikder was a renowned teacher of Fine Arts Faculty of Dhaka University.

The new generation students of fine arts were benefited in different ways from Shamim Sikder’s life and works, he mentioned.

He said ‘Swadhinata Sangram’ sculpture on Dhaka University campus is one of her notable works.

Prof Arefin prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to bereaved family members.

Shamim Sikder passed away while undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the city at the age of around 70.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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23 to die for killing in Madaripur

A court here today sentenced 23 people to death sentence and six others to life-term imprisonment for killing a man in Sadar upazila in 2012.

District and Sessions Judge Lailatul Ferdous handed down the verdict to the convicts.

According to the prosecution, the convicts led by a Jamal Howlader hacked Rajib over land dispute in Horikumari area in the municipality on September, 2012. Later, Rajib died on the way to a Dhaka hospital later. His uncle filed a case with Sadar Thana on September 4 following the murder accusing 47 people including Jamal Howlader.

Police pressed the charge sheet on December 31 accusing 36 people.

The court also acquitted four in the order, said Public Prosecutor Siddiqur Rahman.

Three died during hearing. The court also fined each of the convict Tk 50,000

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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Hasan condoles death of actor Khalekuzzaman

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of heroic Freedom Fighter and actor Khalekuzzaman.

In a message of condolence, the minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Khalekuzzaman passed away at his Gulshan residence this morning at the age of 72.

Dr Hasan, also the joint general secretary of Awami League, said veteran freedom fighter Khalekuzzaman had won the heart of people through his acting in stage, TV and films.

"This artiste who did his master's in the first batch of Drama and Fine Arts Department of Chattogram University will remain alive in the plays and films he acted," the minister said.

Khalekuzzaman started his career by acting in TV drama 'Sarpobhorame Rojju'. He achieved acclaim through acting in many dramas, serials.

Khalekuzzaman acted with Nayanraj Razzak and Kabori in 'Anirban' and some other films.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

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COVID-19 survivors carry high burden of long-term effects: study

COVID-19 survivors carry a high burden of long-term effects of the disease, according to a study revealed here today.

The first of its kind in Asia, the study found post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) or long COVID among the survivors.

The ICDDR,B and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) jointly organized a dissemination seminar titled "Long-Term Sequelae of COVID-19: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh."

The seminar also presented a guideline titled "Long COVID Clinical Management Guideline for Physicians", a press release said.

The findings, based on the first five months of participant follow-ups, were recently published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia.

The study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Alliance for Combating TB (ACTB) in Bangladesh activity.

Professor Dr Shohael Mahmud Arafat, Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine, BSMMU; Professor Dr Chowdhury Meshkat Ahmed, Department of Cardiology, BSMMU, and Dr Farzana Afroze, Associate Scientist, Nutrition and Clinical Service Division, ICDDR,B and the principal investigator of the study presented key findings at the event.

The study was conducted at two COVID-19-designated hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between December 15, 2020 and October 30, 2021.

The researchers recruited clinically recovered individuals older than 18 years with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 who sought care from the study hospitals with or without hospitalisation.

The 362 enrolled participants were given comprehensive in-person follow-ups at one, three and five-month post-recovery intervals to evaluate the presence or trajectories of PCS symptoms which include neurological, cardiac, respiratory outcomes, and mental health.

The study participants will be followed up for 24 months.

The study revealed that COVID-19 survivors over the age of 60 are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular, and neurological complications when compared to the age group younger than 40 years.

The long-term effects of the disease also seem to differ by gender - the prevalence of developing post-COVID complications was found to be 1.5 to 4 times higher in females than in males. Long-term complications in hospitalised patients and those needing intensive care were 2-3 times more likely than in non-hospitalized patients.

Hospitalised survivors with pre-existing diabetes had a 9 to 11 times higher possibility of having uncontrolled blood sugar with regular medication and hence required the administration of insulin therapy more often compared to those who did not require hospitalisation.

The new occurrence of diabetes was 10 cases per 1,000 people - among hospitalised patients, compared to none in the non-hospitalised group.

Similarly, the new occurrence of renal impairment (high creatinine and proteinuria) and the increased liver enzyme were considerably high among COVID-19 survivors.

Most complications decreased over time in both groups, however, shortness of breath, fast pulse rate, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression did not decline significantly in the non-hospitalized group, even five months after recovery.

The results highlight the need for continuous follow-up and care of COVID-19 survivors. Older and hospitalised patients should be routinely monitored for cardiovascular complications, given their increased risk.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha