7-day ‘lockdown’ ends Sunday
From shopping malls to bus stoppages, thousands of people were seen in a mad rush to take preparations for the upcoming seven-day all-out lockdown
During the sixth day of the ongoing seven-day restriction on movements, no strict enforcement of health guidelines was visible in the capital as people breached the hygiene rules.
Amid the restrictions, even traffic gridlocks were created on the city streets.
From shopping malls to bus stoppages, thousands of people were seen in a mad rush to take preparations for the upcoming seven-day all-out lockdown.
From the third day of restrictions, when the government backtracked on its earlier decision of keeping shopping malls closed for seven days, people rushed to the malls in thousands fearing another imminent shutdown during Ramadan.
On Friday, the government declared a week-long all-out lockdown across the country, starting from 14 April, in a bid to stem the rapidly spreading virus which has reached the record high stage.
The government decided to impose the all-out lockdown after the weeklong restrictions totally failed to ensure full implementation of health safety rules.
During this upcoming lockdown, all government and private offices, factories and industries including the ready-made garments (RMG) and transport services will remain closed, said State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain on Friday, adding that only the emergency services will remain open.
A gazette notification in this regard may be issued on Sunday, public administration ministry sources said.
People are confused over what will happen during the two in-between days before the beginning of 14 April lockdown.
The government, however, is yet to inform the countrymen about the nature of restrictions during these two days.
The government and public health experts think that if movement of vehicles is not restricted during these two days, thousands of people will rush to the village before the upcoming lockdown, contributing to further spread of virus, which has already reached an alarming level.
Experts stressed a quick decision on the nature of restrictions during the two days.
Khandaker Enayet Ullah, secretary general of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, told The Business Standard that no decision has been taken yet on the April 12 and 13. Everything will be done according to what the government declares.
According to the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Public Administration, a meeting is scheduled to be held on Sunday noon to take a decision on the matter.
Asked, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told TBS on Saturday that discussions are underway on what will happen on April 12 and 13. "A final decision will be announced tomorrow (Sunday)," he said.
However, sources from public administration ministry said that the current restrictions may continue till 13 April.