UNO locks down Gaibandha's Sadullapur, DC says no

Hours after upazila nirbahi officer imposed a lockdown in Gaibandha's Sadullapur upazila, district's deputy commissioner has termed the announcement a mistake.

Earlier in the day, Sadullapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Nabinewaz issued an order to lockdown the upazila to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the area.

In an order, the UNO said, "Two US expatriates attended a marriage ceremony at the house of one Kajol Mondol in Habibullahpur village under Bonogram Union of Sadullapur upazila. Later they were tested positive with coronavirus. Afterwards, Gaibandha-3 by-polls was held on March 21. Many people, who also attended the marriage ceremony, came to different polling booths to vote. So we apprehend, the virus might spread fast if we do not lock down the upazila."  

However, declining the matter of lockdown in the evening, Deputy Commission Abdul Matin said, "There is no lockdown, it's a mistake. Three members of the family have been kept under home quarantine. Moreover, they also do not even have any coronavirus symptoms."

Civil Surgeon ABM Abu Hanif echoed the DC, saying, "UNO can't put any area under lockdown without our permission. It's just a mistake."

Earlier on March 20, local administration locked down entire two wards of Shibchar Municipality and another two of Panch Char and Bayratala unions in Madaripur district after expatriates were seen roaming in the areas ignoring home quarantine.

Bangladesh reported first death from coronavirus on March 18 and second death on March 21. The number of infected patients stood at 27 as of today.