This study investigated the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Bangladesh using genomic sequencing, Facebook data, and mobile phone operator data. Analysis of 391 SARS-CoV-2 genomes revealed that most isolates were Pango lineages B.1.125, B.1.1, or B.1.36. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that SARS-CoV-2 emerged in mid-February 2020, likely from abroad. Mass migration from Dhaka following a national holiday contributed to the rapid spread of these lineages across the country. Further analysis of 85 additional genomes (November 2020-April 2021) revealed the importation and dominance of the Beta variant (B.1.351) in Dhaka. The findings highlight the value of combining genomic and mobility data to inform public health policies.

Lauren A. Cowley, Mokibur Hassan Afrad, Sadia Iftak Ara Rahman, Md Mahfuz Al Mamun, Taylor Chin, Ayesha Mahmud, Mohammed Ziaur Rahman, Mallick Masum Billah, Manjur Hossain Khan, Sharmin Sultana, Tilovatul Khondaker, Stephen Baker, Nandita Banik, Ahmed Nawsher Alam, Kaiissaar Mannoor, Sayera Banu, Anir Chowdhury, Meerajdy Sabrina Flora, Nicholas R. Thomson, Caroline O. Buckee, Firdausi Qadri, Tahmina Shirin