Independence Day programmes cancelled

The government has cancelled the Independence Day programmes, including placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar on March 26, amid the rise in coronavirus cases.

Besides, the civic reception at the Bangabhaban marking the Independence Day and the Swadhinata Padak, the highest state award, distribution programme have also been cancelled.

The decision was taken after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with President Abdul Hamid at the Bangabhaban yesterday evening, said president's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin.

He said the PM paid a courtesy call on the president. During the meeting, they discussed the country's overall situation.

Hasina apprised Hamid of various steps taken by her government to fight coronavirus.

Joynal said both the president and the PM urged the people to remain alert to coronavirus instead of getting panicked.

SPL JS SESSION POSTPONED

The two-day special session of parliament, scheduled to begin on Sunday on the occasion of Mujib Borsho, was postponed yesterday.

The president's press secretary informed reporters about the development.

President Abdul Hamid postponed the special session in public interest to avoid gatherings for prevention of coronavirus infection.

The president was scheduled to deliver his speech on Bangabandhu at the outset of the special session, which would have been the seventh session of the current parliament.

The Jatiya Sangsad went into special sittings on two occasions -- January 31 and June 18 in 1974, which were addressed by former Yugoslav president Marshal Josip Broz Tito and then Indian president VV Giri.