The coronavirus pandemic has brought many projects within the country to a halt, and rightfully so -- the health and safety of the people involved with these projects are of paramount importance and cannot be compromised on.
However, with the nation opening up the doors to its economy, that attitude should not change, and we must, at all turns, take necessary precautions in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which has already taken over 5,000 lives in Bangladesh.
As such, the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry’s decision to construct two field hospitals specifically for providing treatment and care to the engineers, workers, and employees of the metro rail project is a commendable initiative, one which shows that the government has prioritized the health and wellbeing of the people involved.
These hospitals will be equipped with all the necessary facilities required, including an ICU, so that metro rail workers infected with Covid-19 have the confidence to continue to work for a project that could potentially transform Dhaka city and the way its denizens commute.
Development projects such as these are crucial to Bangladesh’s progress towards middle-income status and we hope that, as more and more workers find themselves heading out to work, the government will continue to provide the support required in order for the projects to continue, and for workers to remain safe.
As the Road Transport and Bridges Minister has noted, the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus will depend on the entire nation working together and exercising caution -- from wearing masks to maintaining social distancing, health directives must be adhered to.
