Bangladesh extends lockdown until April 28

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The Bangladesh government in the aftermath of a massive spike of corona virus infections has decided to extend on going countrywide lockdown till April 28. 

“The National Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 recommended to extend the nationwide lockdown for more seven days,” State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told journalists.

“Scientifically, enforcement of lockdown for at least 14 to 15 days is effective to contain corona virus infection cycle”, he said adding that the next lockdown will remain in force from April 22 to 28.

Farhad said the lockdown will be a stricter one with same restrictions imposed in the previous week.

Meanwhile, the decision to extend the on-going lockdown from April 22 has been taken in a secretary level meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Khondoker Anwarul Islam held virtually on Monday.

Principal Information Officer (PIO) Suroth Kumar Sarker disclosed this in a briefing at his own office in the secretariat this afternoon.

“The current lockdown has been extended for a week and will continue to remain in force from April 22 to 28,” said the PIO.

In the wake of massive surge of the lethal corona virus, the weeklong lockdown was first imposed from April 14 and it will end on April 21.

Bangladesh government may relax lockdown before Eid

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government is considering easing lockdown before Eid-ul-Fitr for need of the people’s livelihoods.

“The lockdown may be relaxed for homebound people during Eid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is considering this. Everyone has to keep patient. No one knows where the COVID-19 situation will stand,” he said while speaking at a regular press briefing on contemporary issues at his official residence.

Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said as per the advices of experts, the government is thinking of extension of the ongoing countrywide lockdown for another week.

“The second wave of coronavirus continues. Lockdown is going on across the country to prevent the second of the coronavirus. This one-week lockdown is going to end. In the current situation, the government is actively thinking of extending the lockdown for one more week,” he said.

The road transport minister said many people, particularly the working ones, are struggling for their livelihoods amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He said in this circumstances, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to provide financial assistance to the jobless workers, including the transport ones.

“Relief will be distributed among the floating people. The district administrations will look into the matter. Besides, Awami League and its associate organizations have been asked to stand by people during this disaster,” Quader said.

He said at present there is no reason to be satisfied in addressing the coronavirus situation as COVID-19 infection can get worse at any time.

“In different countries of the world, new and terrible levels of coronavirus infections are seen. We all must remain careful. Everyone has to follow the health guidelines,” he added.

Earlier, the road transport and bridges minister joined a meeting on the review of the progress of various ongoing development works in the Rangpur zone of the Roads and Highways Department. Through videoconferencing from his official residence in Dhaka, he joined the meeting held at the meeting hall of Rangpur Sarak Janpath Bhaban.

Quader instructed the engineers of the Roads and Highway Department to take the ongoing development works of the government forward.

“The Instructions of the prime minister must be followed. If there is any substandard work, the contractors, engineers and others concerned will have to take the responsibility. None will be spared. The development works of the country are being carried out with public money. This development must be sustainable,” he added.

Besides, on the occasion of the 49th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Krishak League, The AL general secretary recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with deep respect.

He urged all the leaders and workers of the Krishak League to work together for the welfare of farmers following the ideals of Bangabandhu.

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