The government today decided to extended the ongoing strict lockdown till Aug 10 to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the secretariat with Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque in the chair.
After the meeting, the minister disclosed the decision at a press conference.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam were present at the meeting.
Also, ministers of other ministries joined the meeting virtually.
While talking to the media, AKM Mozammel said, "From August 11, shops, business establishments and offices will reopen and vehicles will run in a ‘rotation’ pattern. Launches, steamers, and trains will run on limited scale. The concerned ministries and departments will take necessary steps in this regard and inform the public," he added.
Thee minister also said, "The Health Ministry will vaccinate 10 million people at 5-7 vaccination centres in each ward or union within a week starting on 7th August.”
Mentioning that one must get vaccinated before joining work, Mozammel said, "Mass vaccination campaign will run across the country in a total number of 14,000 centres. Anyone moving outside without getting vaccinated after Aug 11 will face strict punishment... The power to punish would be given to the concerned authorities by issuing ordinance."
At the meeting, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said, "We have undertaken a vaccination program in every union of Bangladesh for seven days. Our target is to vaccinate 10 milion people within the stipulated time."
"As the elderly people in the village areas are more prone to infection and death, we will prioritise them while vaccinating," he said while replying to the queries of the newsmen.
The health minister emphasised on wearing masks, following health and hygiene rules and urged everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
