NATORE (UCAN): The decision by the government of Bangladesh to slowly ease its Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) restrictions despite constantly surging numbers of cases has drawn a mixed response. The ongoing nationwide general holiday for public and private organisations ends on May 30 and public transport on roads, railways and waterways will resume on a limited scale from May 31, Farhad Hossain, state minister for public administration, said on May 27.
The government shut down all education institutes on March 17 and declared a nationwide general holiday-cum-shutdown and ban on public transport and movement from March 26, which was extended several times.
Hossain said all education institutes will remain closed until June 15, adding that the government will issue a gazetted notification, stressing that places and transport services will have to follow strict health guidelines.
The government’s decision comes amid a surging number of Covid-19 cases. Bangladesh recorded 38,292 confirmed cases and 544 deaths from the pandemic as of May 27, according to government data.
A professor of economics from Rajshahi University, a public institute, criticised the government decision to lift the Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our government makes decisions but does not know when it is appropriate. We have been observing the Covid-19 cases and death toll increasing day by day, and I don’t understand why such a decision is being made,” the professor said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The economist admitted there is pressure on the government due to the economic downturn, but he believes more time is required to prepare the ground for resuming normal life.
“Of course we need to save the economy but it should not come in exchange for our lives. A better economy will make no sense if we die, but if we are alive, we can surely make it stronger. I believe the general holiday should have been replaced by a hard lockdown for several weeks, health awareness should be better and people need to be convinced this sacrifice is for saving their lives,” he added.
Father Kamal Corraya, executive director of the Church-run St. John Vianney Hospital in Dhaka, said, “The government decision is very risky but the reality demands it. The country is in a financial crisis and that’s why the government is trying to reopen financial institutions and public transportation.”
He said, “The government wants us to strictly maintain health guidelines, but it is very challenging in our country. The government should expand and improve health services for testing Covid-19.”
Babul Hossain, a day labourer in capital, Dhaka, welcomed the easing of restrictions. He was forced to return to his village home with his four-member family in the Natore district due to loss of work and income because of the shutdown.
“I am the only bread earner of the family and I have lost my income. I have been trying to survive by working as an irregular construction worker in the village. I think the government’s withdrawal of lockdown will help us get back to our regular life,” the 48-year-old father of two said. He borrowed 15,000 taka ($1,360)) to cover the family’s living expenses.
“Once I start working, I can pay back the loan and I will be happy again. I am not worried about the virus and I surrender myself and my family to Allah,” Hossain said.
Saikat Baroi, 32, a cash officer in a private bank in Dhaka, is frightened by the government decision. He moved to his village home in Gopalganj district of central Bangladesh when the general holiday started .
“I work in a bank and handle cash, so many people come to me and I don’t know who is carrying the virus. I fear for my family because my parents are over 70 and they are highly vulnerable to Covid-19,” Baroi said.
