Natore AL ignores lockdown rules, holds gathering

Natore Awami League ignoring the ongoing lockdown held a programme yesterday to celebrate the 51st birthday of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT affairs adviser.

Cutting of a cake and a discussion were held at the temporary office of district AL in Kandivitua area where around 300 leaders and activists were present. Social distancing, a key health safety rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19, was not followed there.

Shafiqul Islam Shimul, lawmaker of Natore-2 and also general secretary of Natore AL, was present as the chief guest.

Two mobile courts, deployed in the area to ensure the lockdown, were not seen during the programme.

"Everybody came after hearing that it was a celebration of Sajeeb Wazed Joy's birthday, that's why health safety rules couldn't be followed entirely," lawmaker Shafiqul said when asked about the non-compliance.

Natore Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed said, "Public representatives should be the most responsible persons in the country. We expect all to follow the rules. We will take steps in future so that they follow the rules."

Natore Municipality Mayor Uma Chowdhury Jolly said, "We asked the leaders and activists to follow the rules, but they did not. In fact, it is not possible to implement such rules in these party programmes."

Meanwhile, over 200 AL men gathered in Kanaikhali area to celebrate the founding anniversary of Swechchhasebak League yesterday. Health protocols were hardly maintained there.

Shariful Islam Ramzan, Natore Sadar upazila chairman and also AL joint general secretary of the district, said they could have organised the programme with the presence of thousands of leaders and activists. But considering the health rules, the event was held in a limited scale.

Shafiul Azam Swapan, general secretary of Natore Swechchhasebak League, said, "I asked them [leaders and activists] to follow the health rules. But I was not completely successful ."