Staff Reporter :
The government plans to extend the nationwide shutdown of offices and workplaces by 10 days from May 15 amid a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.
“We have already sent a proposal to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her consideration. The public administration ministry will also send a summary in this regard to her tomorrow,” State Minister for Public Administration Forhad Hossain told the media.
“We are hoping to issue a gazette notification regarding extension of the ongoing closure by tomorrow,” he added.
If approved, this would be fifth time the government extended shutdown after it first announced closure of all public and private offices from March 26.
Earlier on March 23, due to Covid 19, the government declared a nationwide 10-day holiday from March 26 to April 4, shutting down public and private offices except essential and healthcare facilities. The shutdown was extended for multiple times till May 5.
Sources inside the ministry said the instructions to maintain restrictions during the general holiday will remain same but some relaxations will be allowed which will be detailed in the notification to be issued on Sunday or Monday.
Until Saturday afternoon, health authorities in Bangladesh recorded 8,790 Covid-19 cases and 175 deaths.
