Raise awareness thru’ places of worship

The government has asked the authorities of worship places across the country to spread awareness against Covid-19 through loud speakers.

To this effect, the Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a circular on June 8 instructing the managing committees of mosques, temples and pagodas.

The circular, which has 12 announcements on how to disseminate the messages on Covid-19, was signed by ministry Deputy Secretary Md Shakawat Hossen.

Shakawat told The Daily Star that the country's 3 lakh mosques will have to spread the messages via loudspeakers every day, especially during Friday's Juma prayers.

Apart from this, temples, churches and pagodas will take steps in line with their worship schedules, he said.

The announcements to be made include urging people not to get panicked and keep faith on the Creator; to wash hands for 20 seconds frequently and wear masks while outside home; maintain social distance, among others.

Islamic Foundation Secretary Kazi Nurul Islam told this newspaper that they received the circular on June 9.

"We will take necessary steps to ensure that the announcements are made," he said.

Chondon Talukdar, president of Chattogram city Puja Udjapan Parishad, said they were yet to receive the copy of the circular. "Once we get it, we will take steps accordingly," he said.