Experts have stated that 71% of deaths in Bangladesh are linked to high blood pressure. In addition, other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also contribute significantly to the mortality rate. They also highlighted that the government's budget allocation for addressing these diseases is only 4.2%, a figure they deem insufficient. These insights were shared at a webinar titled "Controlling High Blood Pressure for Public Health Protection: A Bangladesh Perspective," organized by the advocacy and research organisation Pragya (Knowledge for Progress) to mark World Health Day 2025, which falls on April 9.

The event was held in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). Experts emphasised that high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of various non-communicable diseases in the country. They stressed the need for increased budget allocation for the sector in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year and sustainable financing to control high blood pressure. Bangladesh has committed to addressing non-communicable diseases as part of primary healthcare services. However, experts noted that there has been no significant success in utilizing the allocated funds for this purpose.

India said it has revoked the transshipment facility to Bangladesh's export cargo to third countries transiting through its land borders to Indian airports and ports, but made it clear that the measure would not affect Dhaka's trade with Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory. The move, however, is likely to increase the cost of Bangladesh's apparel exporters who also deliver export orders to Western market via India's airport, namely, Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

In a notification on Tuesday, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of India said it rescinded the transshipment of export cargo from Bangladesh to third countries through Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to ports or airport, in containers or closed-bodied trucks. An Indian circular in June 2020 had allowed this facility. In its Tuesday's notification, the CBIC said it decided to revoke the 2020 circular with immediate effect, but added that cargos that already entered India can exit the Indian territory.

Wildlife Crime Control Unit today declared the mini zoo of Zainul Abedin Park in Mymensingh city closed over negligence in taking proper care of the zoo's 62 animals belonging to 13 species. A five-member team of WCCU, led by Nargis Sultana, wildlife inspector from Dhaka, reached the zoo in the afternoon and rescued the animals. The operation concluded in the evening. ANM Abdul Wadud, Mymensingh divisional forest officer, was also present.

"The zoo has been declared closed and the animals are being taken to Safari Park in Dhaka for quarantine as their condition is very poor. Upon completion of the quarantine, the animals will be monitored for their health condition. Later, necessary steps will be taken," Nargis said. Officials of divisional forest department, and around 40 volunteers from three organisations -- Rapid Response BD, Deep Ecology and Snake, and Wildlife and Snake Rescue Team -- joined the rescue operation.

Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs Dr Khalilur Rahman has been redesignated as the National Security Adviser. He will retain his functions as the High Representative for the Rohingya issue. Additionally, he will assist the Chief Adviser in the discharge of his responsibilities relating to the Ministry of Defence, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday night.

"I am very grateful to Honorable Chief Adviser for his continued trust and confidence. I am fully aware of the gravity of my responsibilities and will do my utmost to uphold and advance our national interest," Khalil was quoted as saying. Khalil joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977. He served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York.