Strict 7-day lockdown from April 14: State minister for public administration
Only emergency services to operate
The government will impose a seven-day strict lockdown from April 14 to contain the spread of Covid-19.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain today told The Daily Star that the weeklong strict lockdown will be enforced as per instructions of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and experts.
All government and non-government offices, public transports, factories and industries will remain shut during the lockdown.
Only the emergency services will remain in operation during the period till April 20, the state minister said.
The government has no other choice but to make this decision as the infection has been increasing day by day, he said.
When contacted, Public Administration Senior Secretary Sheikh Yusuf Harun told The Daily Star, "We are yet to get any official instruction in this regard. On Sunday, a decision will be taken at a meeting between ministers and senior secretaries."
Earlier in the day, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government is actively considering imposing "full lockdown" for one week from April 14.
"Coronavirus situation in the country has taken a terrible turn, the infection and death rates are rising in leaps and bounds," Quader said.
Public negligence and indifference about the situation have not changed during the weeklong restrictions, he said during a briefing at his residence this morning.