Quader Urges All to Strictly Follow Govt Instructions

To minimize the growing risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged the people to strictly follow the government’s instructions after the end of the ongoing shutdown on May 30.

''I am requesting all the concerned public and private sectors to follow the necessary health guidelines strictly so that the people can protect themselves from the COVID-19 infection when the offices and transport would resume,'' he said in an online briefing on the current issues from his parliament building official residence.

Quader, also general secretary of the ruling Awami League (AL), said though the government has decided not to extend the general holiday and the Cabinet Division has issued a gazette notification with some important instructions, including health guidelines, which should be followed by all.

He warned that the people would suffer if they misuse the relaxation of the shutdown without following the necessary health guidelines.

Referring to the latest COVID-19 situation in India, the AL leader said though India is now among 10 affected countries, they have relaxed lockdown considering their economic situation.

Many countries in the world are suspending lockdown situations, Quader said, adding that the death toll has crossed one lakh in the USA and infection and causalities are rising in many European countries including the United Kingdom, but they are relaxing the lockdown situation.

Terming the prime minister as the ‘crisis manager’, the minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is making decisions after reviewing the opinions from the experts.

Regarding the resumption of the public transports, the road transport minister said the government has already taken a decision to resume the public transports, adding: ''I have requested the transport owners' and workers' organizations to prepare a plan after making a discussion together with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to this end.''

He said ''It is essential to take a concrete decision for protecting the passengers, drivers and workers for the operation of the public transport.''

The minister asked the BRTA to take a final decision after holding a meeting with the transport owner-workers' association's representatives on Friday.

Source: BSS