DHAKA, April 5, 2020 (BSS) – The government today issued an order
extending the nationwide holiday further until April 14 in the wake of the
deadly novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak that has already claimed nine
lives in Bangladesh and over 64,000 across the globe.
“As part of the precautionary measures, April 12 and 13 is being declared
(fresh) general holidays . . . public holiday of Bangla New Year Pohela
Boishakh will be added to these holidays,” a Public Administration Ministry
statement said.
The government earlier on March 23 declared a nationwide 10-day holiday
shutting down the government and private offices excepting essential and
healthcare facilities while it was due to expire on April 4.
On April 1, the fresh holidays were declared from April 5 to 9 and the two
days of (Friday & Saturday) would be added to these holidays.
It said the emergency services like power, water, gas, fire, cleanliness,
telephone and internet services would remain beyond the purview of the
holidays alongside transportation of food, medical equipment, germicides
agricultural goods, fertilizer, industrial goods, other essential products of
daily necessities.
According to the order the virtual lockdown would spare as well kitchen
markets, food shops, pharmacies and hospitals.
The order said restrictions on the movement different modes of public
transports like train and bus services and the rickshaw vans would be relaxed
in phases.
It said Bangladesh Bank would revise the current makeshift arrangements
about the banking operations gauging the people’s necessities.
Pharmaceutical and export-oriented industries could be kept open if
required, it added.
The government earlier asked all to stay indoors during the holidays and
come out of their home only in case of urgent necessity like medical and
healthcare purposes.