Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urging the people of Bangladesh to refrain from holding any mass programs in celebration of the Bangla New Year is not only timely and thoughtful, but sends the right message -- that the protection and safety of the people should come above all celebrations.
We are currently going through extremely testing times, with the outbreak of the coronavirus transforming the way we lead our lives on a daily basis, compelling us to make necessary adjustments.
For a densely populated and otherwise communal country such as Bangladesh, the measures required to curb the spread of the virus -- the practice of social distancing -- are undoubtedly even more difficult, but are absolutely vital.
The Bangladesh government is not in an enviable position currently, and during such difficult times, the decisions and directives it makes will be extremely crucial in deciding how the country grapples with this pandemic.
The government has already made the difficult decision of imposing a travel ban on all modes of transport across the country and has repeatedly urged people to remain home, if possible, to contain the spread of the virus.
As such, the call to cancel mass celebrations for Pohela Boishakh and limit gatherings deserves plaudits; the next two weeks are crucial in deciding the fate of our country, and there must be no stone left unturned when fighting Covid-19.
Combating a pandemic of this magnitude not only requires good governance and necessary decision-making, but also sound civic sense and cooperation from the general public.
Therefore, we hope the rest of the country heeds the PM’s words, and celebrates Pohela Boishakh in the safest way possible.