Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Benazir Ahmed has given instructions to all police unit chiefs for strict implementation of the government restrictions which have been enforced from Wednesday and will continue until April 21, aiming to halt the sharp rise of coronavirus in the country.
The IGP gave the instructions to all police commissioners, range deputy inspector generals (DIG), district police superintendents, police station officials and in-charges via video conference on Tuesday evening to curb the coronavirus infection and to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
The police chief requested the public not to go outside without an emergency during the restriction, adding people must keep their “police movement pass” when they roam outside.
People must wear facemasks and follow other necessary health guidelines when they travel outside for any emergency, said the police chief. The police chief also instructed the police officials to enforce the government restrictions with patience and wisdom.
“Movement of food, goods, medicines, manufacturing commodities and other emergency service providing vehicles will have to be hassle free,” said the IGP.
At the same time, the IGP asked concerned officers to regularly monitor uploaded rumours, comments, pictures and other confusing posts on social media about the coronavirus, lockdown and Ramadan, which usually hurts the religious sentiments of people. He said rumour mongers must be brought to book.
The farm labourers who are engaged in harvesting boro crops are allowed to travel from one district to another district under special transportation arranged by the concerned deputy commissioner.
”Any kind of extortion won’t be tolerated on the highway during the holy month of Ramadan,” the IGP told the attendees at the meeting.
The IGP warned the public not to crowd inside or outside mosques during Jumah or any prayer during Ramadan, he said, adding no iftar mahfil is allowed inside the mosque.
Benazir also called for imposing surveillance by the intelligence to curb distribution of posters and leaflets by any banned religious fundamental outfits during Ramadan. Even mass gatherings of people are strictly prohibited in the name of distributing Jakat, fitra and food items, he added.
The IGP also instructed the concerned police officials to enhance cooperation with the concerned authorities to check artificial crisis and price hike of essentials during Ramadan.