Aiming to stem the upsurge of Covid-19 cases and deaths triggered by the Delta variant of coronavirus, Bangladesh has gone into another round of strict lockdown for 14 days right after the country celebrated Eid-ul-Azha.
The restrictions came into effect at 8am on Friday and will continue till August 5, unless extended again.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said this lockdown would be stricter than the one imposed before Eid, and the police, the Bangladesh Border Guard and the army would keep a close watch on the movement on the roads.
People are allowed to go out only for emergencies, i.e. getting medicines, going to hospital, getting Covid-19 vaccine, groceries, etc.
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Similar to the last time, all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will remain closed. Government employees will have to stay at their respective workstations and carry out office work virtually.
Garment factories and all other export-oriented industries, which were allowed to operate in the previous lockdowns, will remain closed this time around.
All types of public transportation by road, rail and waterways as well as domestic flights will remain suspended.
All shops, marketplaces, tourist spots, resorts, community centres and recreation centres will also remain closed.
Exemptions
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Emergency services such as transportation of agricultural products and food items, relief distribution, healthcare, Covid-19 vaccination, revenue collection activities and firefighting are exempted from the lockdown restrictions.
Moreover, office staff and vehicles related to other essential services, like electricity, water, fuel, telephone, internet, media, private security, postal services, banking and pharmacies, will be allowed to move provided that they can show their institutional identity cards.
Meanwhile, kitchen markets can operate in open spaces from 9am to 3pm in compliance with hygiene rules.
Restaurants can stay open from 8am to 8pm, for home deliveries only.
