‘Toughest lockdown’ from Friday, military to be deployed

The country is set to enter the ‘toughest lockdown ever’ on Friday (July 23) for 14 days.

On Wednesday (July 21) night, state minister for public administration Farhad Hossain said, military and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel will be vigilant apart from police to implement the tougher lockdown.

He urged all holidaymakers who travelled home to observe Eid-ul-Adha to return workplace after the 2-week shutdown ends.

The restrictions this time will be toughest, the state minister said.

“The toughest lockdown means all offices, garments, exports everything will remain closed. People won’t need to go out of home like before. The shutdown this time will be strictest this time. Apart from police, BGB and military personnel will be deployed,” he said.   

Urging the Eid travellers to return to workplace after lockdown period he said, “The travellers must know that everything will remain closed, even their workplaces. They went home with time in hand. I would like to request them to return after August 5. They don’t need to come now.”

Terming this phase of lockdown as decidedly imperative Farhad said, this 14-day is very important. We urge people to stay at home by this time. None must go out of home without emergency purpose. Wearing double masks is a must to go outside. If we can continue these protocols for 14 days, hopefully, we will be able to curb the coronavirus infection. Otherwise, it will be increasing. We will have to face trouble to lessening pressure in hospitals.”

On July 13, the cabinet division issued a gazette notification imposing stricter safety guidelines to maintain since 6am July 23 to August 5 midnight.