The Cabinet Division has issued new directives relaxing the ongoing strict lockdown because of Eid. The notification was issued on Tuesday (July 13) at 11:30 am.
The circular said the strict restrictions, which lasted from midnight on July 15 to July 22, would be relaxed decision has been taken in the interest of public transport, pre-Eid trade and commerce, socio-economic status of the country, and economic activities. However, at this time, the public has to be careful, wear a mask and follow the hygiene rules.
At the same time, it was mentioned in the circular that strict restrictions will be imposed again from 6 am on July 23 to 12 noon on August 5.
Restrictions must 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 flights) and all types of motorized 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. Such social gatherings (weddings, post-wedding ceremonies, birthdays, picnics, parties, etc.), political and religious ceremonies will be closed.
7. The Bangladesh Supreme Court will issue necessary directions to the courts.
8. Bangladesh Bank will issue necessary instructions to ensure banking services.
9. Government employees will be stationed in their respective workplaces and perform official duties virtually (through e-documents, e-tendering, e-mail, MMS, WhatsApp, and other means).
10 Law and order and emergency services, such as agricultural products and inputs (fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural machinery, etc.), transportation of food grains and foodstuffs, relief distribution, healthcare, Covid-19 vaccination, revenue collection activities, electricity, water, gas- Fuel, Employees of offices related to Fire Service, Telephone and Internet (Public-Private), Media (Print and Electronic Media), Private Security, Postal Services, Banks, Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals and other Essential / Essential Products and services and vehicles will be able to travel subject to the display of institutional identity card.
11. The Finance Department will provide necessary instructions to keep the office of the Accounts Officer open at the divisional, district, and Upazila levels.
12. Trucks/lorries / covered vans/boats/freight trains/ferries engaged in the transport of emergency goods will be exempted from the ban.
13. Ports (air, sea, sea, and land) and related offices will be exempt from this restriction.
14. Raw market and daily necessities can be bought and sold from 9 am to 3 pm following the hygiene rules. The concerned trade organization/market authority / local administration will confirm the matter.
15. No one can go out of the house in any way except in case of urgent need (purchase of medicines and necessities, medical services, burial/burial, etc.). Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the instructions.
16. Vaccination cards can be used to travel for vaccination.
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 overseas passengers will be able to travel using the car by showing their international travel ticket/proof.
19. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will give instructions regarding prayers in the mosque following the hygiene rules.
20. Under the ‘Army in Aid to Civil Power’ provision, the Armed Forces Department will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrol at the field level. The district magistrate will confirm the matter by contacting the local army commander.
21. The District Magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method, and time of recruitment and patrol of Army, BGB / Coast Guard, Police, RAB, and Ansar. In addition, if there is a need for any 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 will 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 will empower the district administration and the police force to take legal action.
Earlier on Monday (July 12th), the government said in a statement that the strict lockdown announced by the government to curb the spread of the corona epidemic was being relaxed from July 15 to July 22.