Bangladesh Announces Nationwide Weeklong Strict Lockdown From April 14-21; List Of Guidelines To Be Followed

The government issued a gazette notification signed by Cabinet Division Deputy Secretary Rezaul Islam in this regard on Monday stating prompt stern action will be taken against anyone violating the orders, The Dhaka Tribune reported.

People leave the city as Bangladesh authorities ordered an eight-day lockdown to contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, in Dhaka on April 12, 2021. PIC/AFP.

Dhaka: With the country witnessing a steep rise in Covid-19 deaths and infections in the last few weeks, the Bangladesh Government on Monday announced a nationwide weeklong strict lockdown beginning April 14 to defeat the pandemic. The government issued a gazette notification signed by Cabinet Division Deputy Secretary Rezaul Islam in this regard on Monday stating prompt stern action will be taken against anyone violating the orders, The Dhaka Tribune reported.

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• All government, semi-government, autonomous, private offices and financial institutions will remain closed during the lockdown, which will be effective from 6 a.m. on April 14 to the midnight of April 21. The ban will, however, not be applicable to air, sea, river, land ports and their concerned offices.
• In addition, all modes of public transports will remain suspended during the lockdown. The government has though allowed goods-carrying, production and emergency services vehicles to operate.
• The industries and factories have been asked to function in tune with the health guidelines issued by the government.
• None will be permitted to move outside except for absolute necessity, including medicine and daily essentials, medical treatment, burial or funeral etc.
• The people are, however, permitted to go for the Covid-19 vaccine by showing their vaccination cards.
• The government has also ordered closure of all shopping malls, shops, restaurants and eateries.
• Daily essentials can, however, be bought and sold at open kitchen markets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as per the hygiene rules.

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This comes as the country reported its highest single-day Covid-19 fatalities on Sunday as the health directorate confirmed 78 deaths, which is the highest since cases related to the pandemic were first reported in March last year.