DHAKA, March 18, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary and Road
Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said if necessary, steps
will be taken to shut down the inter-district bus services aiming to contain
the spread of deadly coronavirus.
“Bus owners are frustrated as passengers have drastically declined…if
necessary, steps will be taken to shut down the inter-district bus services
to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” he said while addressing a press
briefing on contemporary affairs at the Secretariat here.
Replying to a question, Quader said: “The lives of people must be
protected from coronavirus. We will do everything necessary to this end. If
required, some areas of the country will be shut down.”
Terming the coronavirus as a deadly one, he said the strength of Bangalees
are stronger than the virus and “We hope that we would be able to defeat it
together.”
The AL general secretary said the government has decided that nobody would
be allowed holding meetings or rallies in the country due to coronavirus.
“We celebrated the inaugural function of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary celebration in a limited way. There
was supposed to be a huge gathering in Tongipara but the presence of people
was very limited. We will carefully tackle the coronavirus,” he added.
Noting that coronavirus is a common enemy, Quader urged all to be united to
fight the deadly virus, reaching above all the political thoughts.
As per the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, all
necessary medical equipment, including masks, medicines and kits, will be
supplied to hospitals.
Calling upon all not to do politics over coronavirus, the AL general
secretary said the World Health Organization (WHO) has given emphasis on test
and “we will follow the WHO’s guidelines”.