ED: A little responsibility, please

It is extremely disheartening to see that as soon as the shopping malls and stores were allowed to open their doors, customers crowded to those place in droves, eager to get their Eid shopping out of the way.

Clearly, something is amiss in our collective understanding of the priorities right now. 

This is all the more worrying because on the vaccination front, we have just received the alarming news that the administration of first doses will be suspended due to India no longer exporting vaccines. While we are exploring other options, we should not count our eggs before they are hatched. The best thing right now, then, is to contain the virus as much as possible to minimize the death toll. 

Sadly, people seem to be ignoring this basic reality. In various shopping areas in Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, and around New Market, people were spotted in droves, ignoring safety protocols. Long queues were seen at Bashundhara City. Needless to say, such environments are fertile ground for Covid-19 to spread like wildfire.

Unfortunately, as it has been more than a year since Covid-19 was first found within our borders, many are feeling fatigued, and would prefer to behave as though the pandemic was over. However, now, more than ever, is the time for us to exercise a little responsibility, because there is light at the end of the tunnel, but for that we need to sit tight and observe Covid-19 protocols a little longer. This means putting our enjoyment and celebrations on hold for a little longer for the sake of others. As citizens, this is our solemn responsibility.