Dengue Epidemic Worsens in Bangladesh as Dengue Cases and Deaths Surge

Strategic Insights -

The ongoing dengue epidemic in Bangladesh has worsened in October, with 60 deaths recorded in the first 16 days of the month, taking the total for the year to 226. The sudden spike in fatalities has nearly doubled the annual count, with the total number of dengue cases reported since January 1, 2024, reaching 45,950 by October 16. What's more alarming is that a significant number of cases, often more than half, are occurring outside Dhaka City, a notable deviation from the past when dengue was largely confined to the capital. Despite this shift, most of the deaths are still occurring in Dhaka.

Key Takeaways:

  • As of October 16, 45,950 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024, with 60 deaths recorded in the first 16 days of the month, taking the total for the year to 226.
  • A significant number of cases, often more than half, are occurring outside Dhaka City, with 24,169 cases reported outside the capital as of October 14, out of a total of 42,470 cases.
  • Most of the deaths are still occurring in Dhaka, with 67 deaths reported from outside the city as of October 14, out of a total of 214 deaths.
  • Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed barred 12 High Court judges from all judicial activities after over a thousand students besieged the HC premises demanding removal of 'pro-Awami League fascist judges' on October 16.
  • The protesting students, led by Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, demanded the resignations of 'Awami League's fascist judges' and called for the resignation of 'corrupt and biased' judges.

Statistics:

  • 45,950 – Total number of dengue cases reported since January 1, 2024, as of October 16.
  • 60 – Number of deaths recorded in the first 16 days of October, taking the total for the year to 226.
  • 24,169 – Number of dengue cases reported outside Dhaka City as of October 14, out of a total of 42,470 cases.
  • 67 – Number of deaths reported from outside Dhaka City as of October 14, out of a total of 214 deaths.
  • 12 – Number of High Court judges barred from all judicial activities by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed.

Sources:

  • "Dengue Epidemic Worsens in Bangladesh as Dengue Cases and Deaths Surge."
  • "12 High Court Judges Barred From Judicial Activities After Students' Protest."