People should wear masks out of sense of responsibility, says IGP

With coronavirus infections rising in the country again, Bangladesh Police have planned a series of actions to prevent it.

"We are witnessing a sudden rise of coronavirus infections in March. Around 16,000 people got infected in the month with an average of 1,000 infections daily, whereas the figure was only 11,061 in February," Benazir Ahmed, Inspector General of Police (IGP) said yesterday.

Due to the sudden rise of Covid-19 infections, police have taken up a nationwide special awareness program from March 21, so people of the country take preventive steps, said the police chief.

Police will urge everyone to wear masks for a Covid-19 free Bangladesh.

While addressing reporters at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh today, the IGP disclosed plans regarding the preventive measures taken by police to tackle the second wave of Coronavirus in the country.

He said "everyone has to follow strict hygiene rules. Masks should be worn; hands should be washed repeatedly with soap and hand sanitizer should be kept handy if necessary."

If anyone steps outside, then they should wash their clothes with hot water after returning home, he said.

In reply to a query regarding a mask mandate, the police chief said, "we do not want to say it right now. We want to inspire people to wear masks with motivation."

"Moreover, why should we need to encourage to wear a mask? I hope people will wear masks for themselves and their families out of a sense of responsibility," he said.

Community police and traditional police will work to create awareness, and free masks will be provided if needed, said the IGP.

When asked about police allowing big political events, the IGP explained permission depends on the situation. "We have to strictly follow the hygiene rules in every event even if we give permission," he said.

Regarding the restriction of kitchen markets, the police chief said it will depend on the situation, and everything will be implemented in phases as per the situation requires.

According to officials, the police's steps to deal with the second wave of Covid-19 includes distribution of Coronavirus Prevention Guidelines (SOPs) of Bangladesh Police; distribution of free masks with police logos, induction of the coronavirus vaccine, distribution of leaflets, and posters, ensuring social and physical distance, burying the dead accordingly, and the transformation of unused police installations into isolation and quarantine centers.

The services also include identification and quarantine of immigrants through immigration police, responding to incoming Covid-19 calls through the National Emergency Service 999, providing treatment and conducting a Covid-19 test by setting up a PCR lab at the police hospital, providing medical services to officials of government institutions and ministries other than the police at the police hospital.