Govt gets tough on non-use of mask

Mobile courts will be on the streets to compel people wearing masks, a move, according to the government, can contain the spread of coronavirus in winter.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed officials to force people wear masks. Whatever we do, it won’t work if people don’t wear mask,” Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said quoting the premier after the weekly cabinet meeting.

Stressing the need for making publicity on the issue, the prime minister said her government will go for hard line compelling the people to wear mask to contain the spread the virus, the cabinet secretary said.

During a press conference, after the regular weekly cabinet meeting held with the prime minister in the chair, Anwarul Islam said elaborate discussion over wearing mask took place in the meeting.

Deputy Commissioners informed that they fined thousands of people yesterday to force them wearing mask while in Dhaka mobile courts conducted drives at 37 places to make the mission successful, he said.

The prevailing situation will be observed for one more week and then the government will take a harsher step, the cabinet secretary cleared the government stance.

Responding to a query over the government strong step, he said the amount of the fine might be up to Tk 5,000 from Tk 500.