Narayanganj City Corporation authority has urged the government to impose curfew in the city area in a bid to curb spread of novel coronavirus. Newspapers yesterday reported that a press release signed by NCC Chief Executive Officer said that there was an outbreak of coronavirus in the industrial city. “The infection is gradually increasing. In the meantime, some areas have already been locked down with the help of local administration following death from coronavirus,” the press release said. NCC officials feared as the city has an overwhelming number of workers, it has higher risk of coronavirus transmission. NCC Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy has earnestly requested authorities concerned, including the Prime Minister, to lockdown the city or impose curfew to save people’s lives. “Otherwise, the situation might go beyond control,” the press release added. So far as we know, this is the first time where a city authority has urged the government to impose curfew to control the movement of people in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Bangladesh not yet announced a countrywide lockdown to tackle the pandemic. Rather, it has declared holidays. Now we are going through an extended holiday period. After confirming the infection of three persons, the authorities concerned had confirmed that community transmission of the virus started in a limited level. The first death from the virus in Bangladesh was reported on March 18 and yesterday it stood at 9. But it’s a matter of grave concern that the entire coronavirus pandemic is being treated here callously. There is no coordination among the Ministries and other government organizations. Besides, different private bodies, including BGMEA, are taking individual decision defying the instructions of the government. Thousands of garment workers started working in different factories inside the capital yesterday posing high risk of spreading the deadly virus. Situation in Chattogram, Rajshahi and other cities are not good enough.
The government must not hesitate to take stringent measures to save the people of the country. Otherwise, it will be too late.
