A total of 2,196 people across the country died with Covid-19-like symptoms in the last six months from March 22 to October 3, according to a latest report.
The week between September 27 and October 3 saw the deaths of two people, which was the lowest weekly figure since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, showed the report prepared by a project styled 'Bangladesh Peace Observatory (BPO)' under Centre for Genocide Studies at Dhaka University.
According to the BPO report, the months of August, July and June witnessed 200, 309 and 843 Covid-19-like deaths respectively.
The highest number of deaths with coronavirus symptoms was recorded in the week between June 21 and June 27 when a total of 222 people died.
The peace observatory project has prepared the report based on information from 25 media outlets, including national and regional dailies, TV channels and news portals.
However, this information has not been verified from the field level.
The BPO project has been regularly publishing reports on multiple issues with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to the report, the Dhaka division saw 394 deaths with Covid-19-like symptoms from March 22 to October 3 while the number of similar kind of deaths recorded in Chattogram division was 728. Mymensingh division had 60 such deaths, the lowest record, added the BPO report.
Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Barishal divisions reported 102, 223, 95, 350 and 244 deaths respectively.
Meanwhile, the BPO report said the law enforcers arrested 87 people on charges of ‘spreading rumours and false information’ about the virus in connection with 86 incidents from March 8 to October 3.
Between April 26 and October 3, different districts witnessed a total of 297 incidents of protests that included demand for relief materials and assistance, payment of salaries and bonuses, against irregularities in distribution of relief materials, medical equipment, mismanagement in the health sector and lay-off/closure and pay cuts. Some others demonstrated against lockdown rules, demanding accountability, against the proposed budget and bus fare hike and for reopening of the economy.
As many as 151 incidents of violence took place across the country following the coronavirus outbreak from March 12 to October 3.
At least 25 people were killed and 608 injured in such incidents, said the BPO report.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a recent virtual meeting expressed her anxiety about the possible second wave of Coronavirus in this coming winter. She also asked other ministers and activists to remain alert and take preparation to fight against coronavirus.