Quader: Lockdown likely to be relaxed ahead of Eid

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said the ongoing lockdown is likely to be relaxed ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

The government is considering the option for the sake of livelihoods of the people and the Eid holidaymakers, he said at a virtual press conference on Monday.

"A nationwide lockdown is ongoing. The government is considering extending it by a week in line with experts' opinions. However, the restrictions can be relaxed before Eid for the livelihoods of people and home-goers." 

Obaidul, also the Awami League general secretary, said they have decided to provide financial assistance to workers, including those in the transport sector, who have become unemployed.

Also Read - Bangladesh to extend nationwide Covid lockdown by a week as fatalities keep rising

The government has enforced an eight-day strict lockdown from April 14 until April 21 to curb the surge of coronavirus infection in the country, which already claimed 10,497 lives and infected 723,221 people as of Monday.

At a meeting on Sunday, the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 recommended extending the lockdown by a week to choke the spread of the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said it has been decided to extend the ongoing lockdown from April 22 to 28. 

"A proposal has been sent to the prime minister for her approval, following which a gazette notification will be issued," he added.

However, Obaidul Quader said the second wave of Covid-19 hit the country, causing an upsurge of deaths and cases.

The figures of fatalities reached three digits which is really dreadful, he said.

The minister urged all to use masks properly, maintain social distancing, and follow the health rules for keeping the virus at bay.