‘500-member body to fight coronavirus’

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said a 500-member committee has been formed to tackle the coronavirus situation in the country.

The committee had been formed with prominent doctors of Bangladesh Medical Association following a directive by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and it would coordinate with the sub-committees of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said Quader while briefing reporters on current situation at the secretariat.

The government has taken several steps to face the situation, he said, adding, "Various important programmes of Mujib Year were rearranged, and several were cancelled. All programmes of the Independence Day have been cancelled."

Quader, also the general secretary of ruling Awami League, urged grassroots public representatives to raise awareness among people about coronavirus.

Replying to a question, he said there was no food crisis in the country. "The government will take action if anyone stockpiles food," he said.

A list would be prepared on overseas returnees and that would be given to local administration and the DGHS, said Quader.

Quader also directed party leaders to remain alert against all fake news and rumours over coronavirus.