Dhaka, June 14 -- 19 infections is sweeping across Bangladesh, triggered by the fast-spreading Omicron sub-variants JN.1, XFG, and XFC, reigniting public health concerns and prompting calls for renewed vigilance.

While health authorities confirm a gradual rise in case numbers, experts stress that the overall severity remains low and the situation does not warrant public panic.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed that the two new sub-variants-XFG and XFC, both offshoots of the JN.1 lineage-were first identified in April 2025 at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Since then, COVID-19 positivity rates have steadily increased, particularly across nine surveillance districts monitored by icddr,b: Kishoreganj, Rajsh...