After more than four years of battling Covid-19, Bangladesh is finally experiencing some relief. The virus has slowed down, with no new deaths or hospitalizations reported in recent days.Designated Covid-19 wards remain empty at the hospitals, and most of the country is free of the virus, except for a few cases concentrated in Dhaka.However, experts warn that this calm could be misleading. The sharp decline in vaccine uptake, particularly booster doses, threatens to undermine the progress made so far.According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the country has administered over 150 million first and second doses, and nearly 69 million booster doses since the vaccination campaign began.

At least 142 million people have received two doses. Despite these impressive numbers, the recent drop in daily vaccinations is concerning. On some days earlier this month, fewer than 1,000 people nationwide came forward for any dose. 

Officials believe this decline is driven less by supply issues and more by a sense of safety, misinformation, or a general loss of interest in the vaccine campaign.

Data also shows that most mild Covid-19 cases this year have occurred among older adults. 

People aged 61 to 70 accounted for nearly 31% of cases, with those aged 51 to 60 and 71 to 80 also showing significant vulnerability. 

This underscores the importance of booster doses for older age groups, who remain at risk as immunity declines.

On Thursday, a total of 14 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Bangladesh in the last 24 hours. With the latest figure, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 20,52,217.

No new deaths from the virus were reported in the last 24 hours, keeping the total fatalities in the country unchanged at 29,524. However, a total of 25 people died of Covid-19 till July 7 since January of the year.

A total of 281 samples were tested during the latest reporting period (between 8am Wednesday and 8am Thursday), resulting in a daily positivity rate of 4.98%.

The overall positivity rate stands at 13.04% till now, while the fatality rate based on detected cases remains at 1.44%. No Pfizer vaccines were administered during this period.

According to health experts, even though the infection rate is currently low, caution must be maintained.  New variants are still emerging around the world, and they have the potential to trigger outbreaks similar to those seen in the past. In many countries, infections are still rising suddenly, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage or low booster uptake.

An official from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said: “Work is underway to develop updated versions of the vaccine and increase public awareness to prevent new variants.”

Dr Saima Rahman, an infectious disease specialist at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said: “Although the infection is currently relatively low, it has not been completely eradicated. 
Therefore, vaccination and awareness can reduce the risk.”

Dhaka remains the hotspot, accounting for about 44% of mild cases since January. Other major cities such as Chittagong, Khulna, and Sylhet follow, but vaccination and testing rates have also declined sharply in these areas. 

While hospitals still have ample stocks of oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and other equipment, these resources are largely going unused. Though this might seem like a positive sign, health experts warn it should not lead to a false sense of security.

Another challenge is the high volume of international travelers. So far this year, more than 9.9 million people have entered Bangladesh through airports, land borders, and seaports.

With reduced testing for arrivals and limited genomic surveillance, there is a real risk that new variants could enter the country undetected.

The reduced urgency around vaccines and testing reflects a broader shift. Covid-19 no longer dominates the news or public health campaigns. Authorities have yet to update the national strategy or clearly integrate Covid-19 vaccination into routine healthcare services.

Without strong leadership and clear communication, many people now believe the pandemic is over—even though the virus still lingers.

Experts believe Bangladesh is at a critical juncture. While the low case numbers and empty hospitals are encouraging, the sharp decline in vaccination rates serves as a warning. If booster uptake does not improve, the country risks losing the protection it has worked hard to build. The virus may seem quiet for now, but it has not disappeared. Staying vigilant and continuing vaccination efforts are essential to prevent a potential new wave.