Strict lockdown begins

Online Desk :

The strict lockdown announced by the government before the holy Eid-ul-Azha to prevent coronavirus (Covid-19) infections began from 6.00am on Friday and will continue till August 5 midnight.

Earlier, the government eased the ongoing restrictions from July 14 midnight to 6.00am on July 23 on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha.

After visiting different areas of the capital including Khilgaon, Malibagh, Rajarbagh, Rampura and Moghbazar on Friday morning, it has been noticed that members of law enforcement agencies took a position at different thoroughfares to implement the restrictions of lockdown.

A gazette notification in this regard was issued by the Cabinet Division on July 13 detailing the rules and regulations listed below to be imposed from 23 July —

1. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will be closed;

2. Road, rail and waterways public transport (including domestic aircraft) and all types of motorized vehicles will be closed;

3. All shops including shopping malls/markets will be closed;

4. All tourist centers, resorts, community centers and recreation centers will be closed;

5. All kinds of factories will be closed;

6. All public gatherings such as social (wedding ceremonies, birthdays, picnics, parties, etc), political and religious ceremonies will be closed;

7. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh will issue necessary directions to the courts;

8. The Bangladesh Bank will issue necessary instructions to ensure banking services;

9. Government officials will remain on their workstations and conduct office activities virtually (via e-tendering, email, SMS, WhatsApp etc);

10. Law enforcement and other emergency services such as agricultural elements (fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, equipment etc), crops and transportation, relief distribution, health services, covid-19 vaccination, electricity, water, gas/petroleum, fire service, telephone and internet (government-private), media (print and electronic media), private security systems, post, bank, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals and other emergency and essential products and services related offices, their employees and vehicles can move by showing their institutional identity cards;

11. The Finance Division will provide necessary instructions to keep the office of the Accounting Officer at the divisional, district and upazila level open;

12. Trucks/lorry/covered vans/cargo vessels used for transportation of goods will be exempted from the ban;

Ports (air, sea, naval and land) and related offices will be exempted from the ban;

13. Kitchen markets materials and daily necessities that can be bought and sold in the open from 9 am to 3 pm in accordance with hygiene rules. Market authorities / local administration will confirm the matter;

14. Except for absolute necessity (medicine and daily essential products, treatment, burial/funeral, etc), no one can go outside;

Movements will be allowed for Covid-19 vaccine candidates upon presenting vaccine card;

15. Food shops and hotels-restaurants will be open for takeaway/online from 8 am to 8 pm;

16. International flights will continue and passengers will be able to travel via car by showing their international travel tickets;

17. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will issue instructions regarding prayers in the mosque following hygiene rules;

18. Under the “Army in Aid to Civil Power Act”, the Armed Forces Division will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrolling at the field level. The district magistrate will confirm the matter in consultation with the local army commander;

19. The district magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method, and time of patrolling of the Army, BGB/Coast Guard, Police, RAB and Ansar;

20. The Ministry of Public Administration will ensure the appointment of the required number of Executive Magistrates at the field level;

21. Under the Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act, 2018, the Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will allow the district administration and the police force to take legal action on his behalf.