Reza Mahmud :
When the whole world is struggling hard with massive attack of Covid-19 second wave, the infection and mortality rates in Bangladesh are decreasing surprisingly.
A top virologist in Bangladesh and his associates have planned to find out the reasons behind the abnormal trend through their research work using different clues of the virus cases in the country.
According to the sources, they are working based on the latest data of Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
The latest study of the IEDCR showed that there are only 5.8 per cent infection of Covid-19 and 74 per cent of antibody found among the slum people in Dhaka.
Besides, the same study also found that about 9 per cent infection and 48 per cent antibody in the none-slum and posh areas of the capital like Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas.
The samples were collected till June 15 and the results were found recently.
The researchers surprised on the matter that the slum people are living under most hazardous environment with huge dust and other pollutions in air, water and soils, but their infection rate was remarkably lower and antibody are so high.
Besides, the people living with comparatively healthy environment are found most vulnerable in the fatal virus attack.
Prominent Virologist, Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam, former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) is the pioneer of this plan for advance research work.
The virologist also Member of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 is trying to find out the reasons of the less attacking trend in the country.
He has started preliminary opinion exchanging with several fellow researchers from IEDCR and ICDDR,B on this topic.
When contacted, Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam told The New Nation last night, “We are collecting data and exchanging our opinions. We firmly believe that there may be some amazing matters behind the less attacking trend of the grave virus in our country which will be found through our study soon.”
As per the virologists’ preliminary idea, four viruses are mostly found in Bangladesh which supposed to be working behind preventing the Covid attack among Bangladeshi people.
“As a preliminary assumption we think, the viruses are influenza, Para influenza three, Rhino virus and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are mostly found in the slum people of the country are preventing the attack of Covid-19 in human body. And such way the antibodies have created in the bearers’ body,” Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam said.
“If the matter can be established through proper research work, it will be a landmark event for the whole world. If we get success, the work will brighten the country’s image before the world,” the Professor said.
The virologist said, he and his fellow researchers from the both eminent organizations believe that the findings of their possible study would show the whole world a firm way to get rid of the fatal virus.
In this point, the experts are sufferings from fund crisis for conducting research.
“To start the planned study, we need permission and surely a fund to bear costs of the work,” the former VC said.
Some of his well-wisher keen to get the planned research success advised him to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a quick funding.
When contacted, Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq, former Adviser of World Health Organisation (WHO) told The New Nation yesterday, “The government should arrange a fund for them for the very important research work.”
“They should submit their proposal and apply to proper authorities. Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) is one of the organisations who will support if there is any sound proposal for such research.”
