Hasina Calls for ‘Resolve to Keep Darkness at Bay’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has opened her address to the nation on the eve of the Bengali New Year amid the ongoing shutdown imposed by the government to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

The Prime Minister's televised address came Monday in the wake of a spike in coronavirus infections and deaths. Five additional people died of infection, raising the death count to 39. The number of cases rose to 803 after another 182 people tested positive for the disease over the last 24 hours, the sharpest regular leap.

"Darkness engulfs our planet because of the coronavirus. We must conquer this and find our way to a fresh sunlit day, "Hasina said, asking for a joint commitment to combat the epidemic.

The Bengali year 1427 starts on Tuesday, with the whole population indoors in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown.

The nation celebrates Pahela Baishakh or the first day of Bengali's New Year with much fanfare. It has become the largest secular festival in the world, with the involvement of everybody from all over their faith or ethnicity.

The colourful procession, Mangal Shobhajatra, symbolizing the constructive energy, is carried out by the Fine Arts School. The parade has been part of the universal national heritage of UNESCO.

Yet the government forbade both activities and public gathering celebrating the New Year in the face of contagion threats. People should celebrate the event with their families at home, but no outside celebrations are required.

The State extended the lockdown until April 25, requiring residents until remain inside from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Hasina began her address, saying, "I wish everybody in Bangladesh and abroad a happy New Year's Bangla."

She noted that Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman's centenary program was conducted without any meeting and transmitted through radio, television and digital media.

“We will celebrate Pahela Baishakh in the same way. We will celebrate the Bangla New Year at home,” the prime minister said

She mentioned the traditional events and rituals of Pahela Baishakh and added, “This time I urge all to collect green mango, black plum, guava, watermelon, and other seasonal fruits and celebrate the Bangla New Year at home.

“Please don’t leave home without any reason. Follow the health rules. Protect yourselves and your families from coronavirus infection,” Hasina said.

HASINA THANKS DOCTORS

Acknowledging the lack of resources and risk of death, the prime minister also thanked the doctors, nurses and other health workers for being on the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus.

“Please don’t lose morale in this time of crisis. All the people are at your side. I thank and congratulate you on behalf of the people,” she told the health workers.

The Government will allocate Tk 1 billion in special honorarium to its health staff who have been specifically involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, she said.

It would include protection for physicians, nurses, emergency staff, field officers, law enforcement, security forces, and border guards who are involved in the war against the outbreak, the Prime Minister added.

If someone is infected while on duty, they will get health insurance worth between Tk 500,000 and 1 million, according to her.

The amount will increase five times in case of death, she added, adding that the government is providing 7.5 billion Tk for health and life insurance.

The Prime Minister also praised the law enforcement officials, the security forces, civil employees, media staff, and those engaged in the transfer and burial of COVID-19 victims.