Bangladesh suspends public transport as weeklong lockdown begins

Obaidul Quader, Bangladesh’s minister for roads and bridges, informed on Sunday that public transport would remain suspended in the country. However, vehicles carrying essential goods and emergency services will remain operational.

Also, the government exempted mills and factories from the lockdown.

The government is conscious of keeping economic activities running but saving lives is the first priority, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. She held a meeting of senior officials on Sunday.

“We've already issued some directives to check coronavirus. You all will have to pay special attention so that people follow the directives properly," she directed her officials.

Various countries have faced economic slow down during this period, she said, adding Bangladesh has managed to keep its growth momentum and will continue the trend.

Since last week the country’s health infrastructure has come under tremendous pressure amid increasing cases. Hospitals in Dhaka, the country’s capital, have run out of beds to accommodate more patients, forcing the government to go for a nationwide lockdown.