14-Day ‘Stricter Lockdown’: What Can And Can't Be Done

The 14-Day ‘Stricter Lockdown' announced by the government have started across the country from 8 am on Friday.

The curb will remain in force until August 5 to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus. The cabinet issued the curb in a notification on July 13.

All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices in the country will remain closed.

Public transport and all types of vehicles will remain suspended on roads, railways and waterways including domestic flights.

All shops including shopping malls and markets will remain closed. Tourist centers, resorts, community centers and recreation centers, all kinds of industries will remain closed.

Public gatherings such as social [wedding ceremonies (walima), birthdays, picnics, parties, etc.], political and religious ceremonies will be closed;

The Bangladesh Supreme Court will issue necessary directions to the courts. Similarly, Bangladesh Bank and Financial Institutions Department will give necessary instructions to ensure the services of banks, insurance and financial institutions.

The Finance Department will give necessary instructions to keep the office of the Accounting Officer open at the divisional, district and upazila level.

Government employees have to stay in their respective workplaces and perform official duties virtually (e-documents, e-tendering, e-mail, SMS, WhatsApp and other means).

Emergency services, such as agricultural products and materials (fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural machinery, etc.), transportation and sale of food grains and foodstuffs, relief distribution, healthcare, Covid-19 vaccination, issuance of National Identity Card (NID) Activities, Revenue Collection Functions, Electricity, Water, Gas and Energy, Fire Service, Telephone & Internet (Public-Private), Media (Print & Electronic Media), Private Security, Postal Services, Banks, Visa Activities, City Corporation Employees and vehicles of offices related to municipalities (cleaning, street lighting management, etc.), social security programs, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals and other services will remain out of the purview of the restriction.

Raw market and daily necessities can be bought and sold from 9 am to 3 pm in accordance with the hygiene rules. Relevant trade organizations, market authorities and local administration will ensure the matter.

It is not possible to go out of the house in any way except for urgent needs like buying medicines and daily necessities, medical services, burial, etc. Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the instructions.

Those who go to get vaccinated will be able to go out of the house subject to showing the vaccination card. Food shops, hotels, and restaurants will be able to sell food from 8 am to 8 pm. In that case, no one can eat sitting in the shop.

International flights will continue. Overseas passengers will be able to travel by showing their international travel tickets.

The Armed Forces will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrols at the field level under the ‘Army in Aid to Civil Power’ provision. The District magistrate will contact the local army commander to confirm the matter. The District Magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method, and time of recruitment and patrol of Army, BGB, Coast Guard, Police, RAB, and Ansar. At the same time, if any special activities are required locally, he will take steps in that regard. The Ministry of Public Administration will ensure the appointment of the required number of executive magistrates at the field level. Besides, under the Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control, and Eradication) Act, 2018, the Director-General of the Department of Health will give the necessary powers to the district administration and the police force to take legal action.