The Covid-19 virus is now a global pandemic.
Some countries have proven themselves better than others in terms of preparing for the spread of the coronavirus. Bangladesh cannot afford to be among the ones who stumble or hesitate when it comes to containment.
Given the size and density of our population, it should be apparent to all that Bangladesh is a country with high risk potential for the virus to take hold and spread, the consequences of which would be devastating.
In short, the government must treat the crisis with the seriousness it merits.
We simply cannot afford any more displays of gross mismanagement such as allowing for 142 returnees from Italy to leave quarantine for their homes, without being cleared or indeed even tested.
The health minister had previously assured that people returning from affected countries would face a compulsory 14-day period in quarantine. Clearly that did not pan out.
Outside of the need for comprehensive efforts at quarantining those who are already known to be infected by the Covid-19 virus, the government needs to reinforce its attempts at containing the virus itself as well.
Testing kits, protocols, protective gear, ventilators, clear instructions to the population, measures to limit crowds and gatherings, in short, a well thought-out, comprehensive, and cohesive strategy is the order of the day.
One can argue that we have already lost precious time due to the laxity of the authorities. But, be that as it may, now is the time for action more than recrimination. There is still time for us to get our act together and minimize the devastation.
Indeed, this government has a good record of crisis and disaster management, and now would be a good time to show the competence and people-first approach that we have come to expect from them. A little leadership would go a long way.
This is the crisis of our times and we must all rise to meet it as one.
