Govt to rethink Boi Mela if virus spread worsens

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid has said the authorities will rethink their decision to hold the Ekushey Boi Mela if the pandemic situation deteriorates.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bangla Academy yesterday, he said they were worried about the Covid-19 situation.

"More than 1,700 people caught novel coronavirus on Monday, up from 200 to 250 a few days ago. We will need to think afresh if the Covid situation deteriorates."

Khalid said if the pandemic situation gets bad, there will be no scope for holding the Boi Mela, scheduled to be held from March 18 to April 14.

"We are praying that the situation will not be like that," the state minister said.

Earlier in the morning, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police called upon the people to follow the health guidelines properly before entering the book fair venue.