The Supreme Court on Sunday asked all civil courts of the country to hear urgent matters.
It also asked them to receive filings of succession suits.
Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain gave the directives after discussing the matter with senior judges of the Supreme Court.
A circular, signed by Supreme Court Registrar Md Ali Akbar, was issued in this regard on the same day.
The circular says that the conducting judges of the courts will hear the urgent matters and receive the succession suits, keeping physical distance and strictly following the health guidelines.
The judges of the courts concerned will fix necessary action plans for maintaining physical distancing in the courtrooms during hearings of urgent civil matters and the filings of the succession suits respectively in order to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the circular added.
The circular also said a maximum of six people -- including lawyers and plaintiffs -- can stay in a courtroom during the hearing of a suit while wearing face masks.
“If not necessary then only lawyers will appear before the court on behalf of dependents and plaintiffs. Body temperatures of every individual have to be measured before entering the courtroom and the judge can take any decision to avoid any emergency situation.” said the circular.
Moreover, earlier on May 10, the chief justice issued directives and a user manual in line with the ordinance issued by President Md Abdul Hamid on May 9, allowing regular court proceedings to be conducted virtually amid the Covid-19 forced government holidays.
Following which, the Supreme Court administration issued different practice directions to operate virtual courts more widely.
Regular activities of courts across the country, including the Appellate Division and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, have remained shut since March 26 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
