No Iftar Market on Streets during Ramadan: IGP

Inspector-General of Police Benazir Ahmed today said they would not allow anyone to cook and sell iftar products on the streets and footpaths during the upcoming month of Ramadan, to prevent public gathering and coronavirus spreading.

Police will also be alerted so that no large meeting is taking place somewhere in the name of iftar distribution, the IGP said during a video conference with top police officers from various units around the country. 

The guidelines came at a time when gathering at kitchen markets has been a big problem for authorities since last month's countrywide shutdown started.

Police officials said only brick and mortar restaurants will be permitted to sell iftar products on a small basis as certain important offices are still unavailable and there are no cooking facilities for many town dwellers.

Moudud Hawlader, Chawk Bazar Police Station's officer-in-charge said that they will obey the order strictly, and the usual iftar market in Chawk Bazar would remain closed this year, despite the current situation.

The IGP also guided at the video conference to strengthen market surveillance to maintain everyday needs rates and provide assistance to ensure continuous food supply.

The police chief stated they should not tolerate fraud in the delivery of relief and requested police to organize the job with the local government.

He also instructed leaders of the force to encourage staff engaged in paddy harvesting but demanded that action be taken to avoid the needless popular movement.

He urged the people to take police aid during private relief delivery to offer night-time relief to the houses of the needy to prevent the meeting.

He also asked unit heads to provide the proper care for COVID-19 compromised police when conducting duty and to inquire periodically about quarantine or isolated colleagues.

Benazir also alerted police about the growth of terrorist groups during the crisis and the dissemination of false news and rumors.