ED: Respecting the rules of the lockdown

Today marks the first day of what is set to be the strictest lockdown yet, initially for a seven-day period. 

Lockdowns have understandably been viewed with scepticism in many quarters, and there is no doubt that they have a profound impact on people’s livelihoods, particularly the most vulnerable in society -- those who work in the informal economy. It is they who suffer the most. 

Yet, amidst the divided opinions and amidst the difficulties and complexities that a strict lockdown of this nature will undoubtedly pose, the fact of the matter is that Bangladesh is recording triple digit deaths daily, and our daily infection rate continues to be well over 20%. 

At such a time, curbing these numbers -- both infection rates and, as a result, the number of deaths -- is the number one priority for the government, as it would be for any nation, anywhere in the world. 

Look no further than Australia, a country which, despite a minimal number of cases on a few occasions, utilizes lockdowns to bring the situation under control. This is true for most nations -- be they developed or developing -- who have used lockdowns as the go-to strategy when things have taken a turn for the worse regarding Covid. 

However, the onus is certainly on the government, and all relevant stakeholders and authorities concerned to ensure that, in addition to the lockdown being observed diligently, those who will be most affected by its repercussions are taken care of, and do not suffer. 

For the more fortunate in society, it is time to do our part, to be model citizens, stay informed, and respect and follow the rules as have been directed by the authorities. We are at an extremely critical point, and it is crucial that the situation does not get worse than it already is.