World: Bangladesh, First South Asian Country to Impose Nationwide Lockdown Amidst the Second Wave

Dhaka: Amid surging coronavirus cases, Bangladesh, a South Asian country, has decided to impose a seven-day nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus.  Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader made the announcement at a media briefing in Dhaka today.

The South Asian country recorded 6,830 new cases of the coronavirus, the highest count in a day, taking the tally of infections to 624,594. The number of deaths climbed by 50 in 24 hours to 9,155, according to data released by the government. Considering the rise the government has decided to impose a 7-day lockdown across the country.

As per the notification, every office and court will be closed during the lockdown but industries and mills will continue their operation on rotation. Citing an explanation to the relaxation provided to the industrial sector, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said,” If we close the mills then the workers may have to leave their workstations and head for home.”

The PMO issued an 18-point directive guideline document on Monday(29 March) that restricted all public gatherings in areas with high rates of infections. It also said that buses will not be allowed to carry passengers more than half of their seating capacity and have to maintain the safety COVID-19 safety guidelines.