Shafiqul Islam (Shafiq)
Ongoing lockdown to prevent corona virus infection has been relaxed. In the interest of keeping the socio-economic condition and economic activities of the country normal, the government has relaxed all the restrictions imposed from midnight on July 14 (Wednesday) 6 am to July 23 (Friday). However, the Cabinet Division has issued a notification imposing new restrictions from 6 am on July 23 to midnight of August 5 (Thursday). At this time, the army and other law enforcement forces will be on the ground as before. This has been said in the notification issued by the cabinet department on Tuesday. The circular said the decision was taken in the interest of celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, public transport, conducting business before Eid, socio-economic status of the country and keeping economic activities normal.
Restrictions to be complied with from 23 July to 5 August: (1) All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will be closed. (2) Public transport (including domestic aircraft) and all types of vehicles will be closed on roads, railways and waterways. (3) All shops including shopping malls/markets will be closed. (4) All tourist centers, resorts, community centers and recreation centers will be closed. (5) All kinds of industries will be closed. (6) Public gatherings such as social [post-wedding ceremonies (Walima), birthdays, picnics, parties, etc.], political and religious ceremonies will be closed. (7) The Supreme Court of Bangladesh shall issue necessary directions to the court. (8) The Bangladesh Bank/ Financial Institutions Deptt shall issue necessary instructions to ensure the services of banking/ insurance/financial institutions. (9) Govt employees will be stationed at their respective workplaces and will carry out virtual office work (e-documents, e-mail, SMS, WhatsApp and other means).
(10) Law and order and emergency services, such as agricultural products and materials (fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural machinery, etc.), transportation/sale of food grains and foodstuffs, relief distribution, health care, vaccination of Covid-19, National Identity Card (NID) giving activities, Revenue Collection Functions, Electricity, Water, Gas/Energy, Fire Service, Telephone & Internet (Public-Private), Media (Print & Electronic Media), Private Security, Postal Services, Banks, Visa Activities, City Employees and vehicles of corporations/municipalities (cleaning, street lighting management, etc.), social security programs, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals and other emergency/essential products and services will be allowed to travel subject to display of institutional identity card. (11) The Finance Department shall give necessary instructions to keep the office of the Accounting Officer open at the divisional, district and upazila level. (12) Trucks/lorries/covered vans/ vessels/ freight trains/ferries engaged in the transport of emergency goods shall be exempt from the prohibition. (13) Ports (air, sea, naval and land) and related offices shall be exempt from this prohibition. (14) Raw market and daily necessities can be bought and sold in accordance with hygiene rules from 9 am to 3 pm.
The concerned trade organization/market authority/local administration will confirm the matter. (15) Unless there is an urgent need (purchase of medicines and necessities, medical services, burial/burial of corpses, etc.), one should not go out of the house in any way. Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the instructions.
(16) Subject to the presentation of the vaccination card, travel for vaccination can be made. (17) Food shops, hotels and restaurants will be able to sell food (online/takeaway) from 8 am to 8 pm. (18) International flights will continue and foreign passengers will be able to travel using the car by showing their international travel ticket/proof. (19) The Ministry of Religious Affairs shall give instructions regarding the prayers in the mosque following the rules of hygiene.
(20) The Armed Forces Department shall deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrol at the field level under the provisions of ‘Army in Aid to Civil Power’. The district magistrate will confirm the matter by contacting the local army commander. (21) The District Magistrate shall hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level and determine the jurisdiction, procedure and time of recruitment and patrol of Army, BGB/Coast Guard, Police, RAB and Ansar. At the same time, if there is a need for special activities locally, he will take steps in that regard. The concerned ministry/department will provide necessary instructions in this regard at the field level.
(22) The Ministry of Public Administration shall ensure the appointment of the required number of Executive Magistrates at the field level. (23) Under the Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act, 2018, the Director General of the Department of Health shall empower the district administration and the police force to take legal action.
