Quader: Cattle markets may hike Covid-19 transmission

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that cattle markets ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha may increase the number of coronavirus infection.

“Authorities should make a proper guideline for cattle markets for the safety of the people,” he told a press briefing from his Dhaka residence on Wednesday.

“If necessary, the number of cattle markets should be reduced,” said Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister.

He mentioned that cattle markets would not be allowed in and around the highways across the country, amid the Covid-19 pandemic that has so far killed nearly 1,900 people in Bangladesh.

The ruling party general secretary urged Awami League leaders and activists to assist the flood-affected people of nine districts.

He also urged the health authorities to readjust the freshly announced fees for Covid-19 testing. 

He said that this issue has been discussed in the government.

He, quoting experts, said that this move might keep the poor population away from Covid-19 testing, increasing the risks of a further spread of the deadly virus.

The minister called upon the concerned officials to keep the recently announced fees for Covid-19 testing at a reasonable level considering the capabilities of the poor and helpless people of the country.