Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- But as the health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic has taken centre stage, the battle to dispose of infectious waste appears to have been sidelined by both government and private consumers.

Mismanagement of the infectious biomedical waste from the hospitals and other health care facilities may lead to transmission of diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and AIDS through syringes and needles, warns Dr Mushtuq Husein, a public health expert.

"Pathogens from abandoned or reused medical wastes like a syringe may enter a human body leading to injury or even death. The diseases can spread through animals too," he said.

The toxic chemicals in untreated trash has may pollute the soil, water and air, said Shah...