Govt not thinking about lockdown ahead possible 2nd wave of Covid

Dhaka (Nov 2, 2020): The government is not thinking about imposing restriction on people’s movement or lockdown ahead of the possible second wave of coronavirus that may hit the country during the winter season.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said this in response to a newsman query at a press conference held at Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka this noon.

Earlier in the day, the regular weekly meeting of the cabinet was held at the secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The Prime Minister chaired the meeting from her official residence Gono Bhaban through videoconferencing.

Discussion over the second wave of the Covid-19 was taken place in the meeting, Anwarul said adding that America and Europe have already plunged into the worst situation and the maximum European countries have imposed lockdown.

When asked whether the government will again impose any restriction on people’s movement if the second wave of coronavirus hits the country, he said, “We are not in such situation by the grace of Allah.”

“Our prime minister has asked all to wear mask. If, we all use the mask, we will be able to stay in a confortable zone,” he said.

It will have to ensure that no one can get any service from any private or government office without wearing mask and instruction has been given to all ministries to make the instruction fruitful, he said.

Quoting the Prime Minister, he said, “We are in comfort zone but there is no reason to be more satisfied. We all will have to be careful.”

“The no mask, no service policy will have to be established. If necessary, we will have to wage social movement through campaign. We sent the message to the field level and the secretaries have been told to carry out massive campaign under their vicinity,” he said.

Responding to another query over the lax approach to use of mask in public transport and market places, he said this issue was also discussed in the meeting and I will talk to the concerned authorities about the matter.”