A weeklong stricter lockdown has begun across the country from 6:00am today (April 14) in a bid to contain alarming rise of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Except for emergency services, all government and private offices and factories are closed during the lockdown. Public transport services are also suspended.

A set of instruction has also been imposed during the nationwide lockdown from 14-21 April. Those are -

• All public transport services (roads, railway and domestic flights) will remain suspended. However, the directive will not be applicable to goods-laden vehicles, production systems and emergency services. Besides, the restriction will not be effective on individual who is going abroad or returning from abroad.
• Offices, employees and transports involved in law and order and emergency services like relief distribution, health services, electricity, water, gas/fuel, fire service, activities at ports (land, river and sea), telephone and internet, telecommunication and other services will remain out of the purview of the lockdown.
• All government/non-government/autonomous offices, courts and private offices can facilitate commute of their employees to work using their own transports on a limited scale. Industries and factories can do the same for their workers. Factories under BGMEA and the BKMEA have to take measures regarding field hospital/treatment for their workers.
• None will be able to go outside from 6:00pm to 6:00am, except for emergencies (medicine and daily essentials, treatment and burial/cremation etc).
• Only the sale and supply of foods (from 12:00pm to 7:00pm and 12:00am to 6:00am), and restaurants will be able to operate takeaway/online services of food deliveries. None can eat food sitting in hotels and restaurants.
• All shops, markets, shopping malls, shopping complexes will remain closed. But shops can continue wholesale and online services. In that case, they have to maintain health guidelines.
• Buying and selling of kitchen items and daily essentials will be done only in open spaces from 8:00am to 4:00pm following the hygiene rules. The authorities concerned and local administration will ensure the services.
• Bangladesh Bank will provide necessary directives to continue bank activities on a limited scale.
• The Armed Forces Division will take necessary measures to set up field hospitals in a suitable location in Dhaka.
• District and field-level administration across the country will take effective measures to implement the directives and law enforcement agencies will intensify regular patrols.
• The concerned district administration will coordinate the transport of agricultural workers in case of an urgent need to harvest Boro paddy.
• Ministry of Religious Affairs will issue guidelines on Jumma congregation (Friday prayer) and Taraweeh prayers following health rules
• Strict legal action will be taken against those who disobey the directives.

Following an instruction of the Cabinet Division, the Bangladesh Bank asked all banks to operate on a limited scale (10am to 1pm) for seven days during the lockdown.

BDST: 1225 HRS, APR 14, 2021
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