Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Bangladesh virus shutdown triggers exodus from capital

Bangladesh virus shutdown triggers exodus from capital

Tens of thousands of people scrambled to get the last trains, buses and ferries out of Dhaka on Tuesday before a nationwide transport shutdown to halt the spread of coronavirus took hold.

With new cases and deaths hitting record numbers, Bangladesh's government has ordered all offices and shops to close for eight days from 6.00 am (midnight GMT) on Wednesday.


The country will become virtually cut off with all international flights halted, and domestic transport curtailed.

Many in the capital of 20 million desperately sought any vehicle to get them back to home villages and towns, with taxi and bus fares quickly rising.

Crowds besieged the main bus stations of the city, despite most inter-city routes having stopped on April 5 after officials imposed fresh restrictions.

"So there is no way we can take them back to their homes," said bus firm manager Rakib Rahman, adding: "But the microbus, car and motorbike drivers are making a fortune thanks to this mad rush".

Police also stopped people boarding trucks that were taking some out of the city, fearing the cramped vehicles would easily allow the virus to spread.

Hamidur Rahman, a 25-year-old shopping mall worker, was unable to get a minibus from Gabtoli bus station to his home in western Jeysore district.

"A regular bus ticket to Jessore costs a maximum of 500 taka (six dollars). We have to pay 1,000 for a seat," he told AFP, after banding together with 12 others to rent an entire bus.

Most of the exodus was made up of informal workers in Dhaka stores, offices and markets.

Didarul Alam, a 22-year-old student and part-time primary school tutor, said he could not afford to stay in Dhaka.

"The students tell me they don't need my services. The maid who cooks in our dormitory has left so I am going too," he said.

The South Asian nation of 168 million people has recorded 684,756 cases and 9,739 deaths, but the number of daily cases has increased sevenfold in a month.

Hospitals across Bangladesh say they are being overwhelmed by new cases, and daily deaths have more than doubled.

More For You

UK heatwave deaths

Around 85% of the projected deaths are likely to involve people over the age of 65

iStock

Scientists warn current UK heatwave may cause nearly 600 early deaths

Almost 600 premature deaths are expected to occur during the ongoing heatwave affecting England and Wales, according to a new rapid analysis by leading scientists. The majority of fatalities are projected among older adults, with London and the West Midlands likely to be the worst-affected areas.

Climate change driving deadly temperatures

Researchers say the extreme temperatures, which have reached 32°C in parts of south-east England, would have been nearly impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change. Pollution from burning fossil fuels has raised the likelihood of such heatwaves by around 100 times, experts say.

Keep ReadingShow less
From silence to spotlight: How Ella D’Verma turned her truth into power

In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity

Instagram / elladverma

From silence to spotlight: How Ella D’Verma turned her truth into power

AS Pride Month sweeps across the world in a blaze of colour, protest and celebration, one Indian voice continues to rise with unwavering authenticity. Ella D’Verma is reshaping narratives as a transgender model, fearless LGBTQ+ advocate and digital content creator with a powerful global following.

In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity, her visibility has become vital – the embodiment of pride in action. In this exclusive conversation with Eastern Eye, she speaks about her journey, the importance of visibility, self-expression, navigating the fashion industry as a trans model, representation, and her vision for the future.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amycretin

'The Lancet' and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025

iStock

New weight-loss pill Amycretin shows greater impact than jabs, study finds

A new weight-loss drug, amycretin, has delivered the most significant results yet for appetite-suppressing GLP-1 medications, according to two newly published studies in The Lancet and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

Record weight loss from Amycretin injections

Researchers found that participants receiving high-dose weekly injections of amycretin lost 24.3 per cent of their body weight over 36 weeks. This outcome surpasses the results seen in longer trials involving other GLP-1 drugs such as tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro), which previously led the field with an average weight loss of 20 per cent over 72 weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian representation Parkinson’s awareness

Organisations like Parkinson’s UK are so vital.

Instagram/ itsmitamistry

Joining the movement: Championing Asian representation and Parkinson’s awareness through sport

Mita Mistry

I recently joined the incredible team at the Asian Sports Foundation. It is an honour to work alongside passionate individuals such as Shazia Ali, Harleen Kaur and Angus Martin. Since it was founded by Jug Johal, the Asian Sports Foundation has worked to transform inactivity into active living, promoting better wellbeing and greater representation of Asian communities in sport and physical activity.

This is a cause close to my heart. The undeniable power of sport and movement to improve both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. It is a message I have consistently championed, alongside a commitment to equity and inclusion, which is why I am so excited to contribute to a charity that truly embodies this ethos.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bollyday

Bollyday has rewritten the rulebook on clubbing – and frankly, it feels long overdue.

Bollyday brings Bollywood sparkle to daytime clubbing and it’s a five-star game-changer

Whoever said you need moonlight to find magic clearly has not stepped onto the spectacular, LED-lit dance floor at this daytime Bollywood bonanza.

From the moment the doors opened at Popworld in London, Bollyday fizzed with the kind of unfiltered joy usually reserved for weddings or late-night parties – except here, you still get home in time for a proper night’s sleep (and Sunday roast prep).

Keep ReadingShow less