The cabinet division has issued five emergency directives to prevent Covid-19 transmission. The directives were issued on Friday. The five directives are: All the schools and colleges will remain closed till 6th February starting from January 21. The universities of the country will take such measures accordingly according to the direction. Gathering of people more than 100 persons is prohibited in the state, social, political or religion based programs. In this case the participants have to show Corona PCR test negative certificate within 24 hours and the certificate of corona vaccine. All the officials of government and private offices and mill-factories have to obtain corona vaccine certificates. The concerned authority will take responsibility in this regard. People at public places like markets, kitchen markets, bus stands, launch ghast, rail stations have to wear mask mandatory basis. Local administration and law enforcement agencies will monitor the matter. AH 

Public transports will run across the country after abiding by the government directives to prevent transmission of lethal coronavirus. Following the health protocols buses will ply on the roads keeping the number of passengers on board according to the number of seats. Standing passengers will not be allowed the carry on buses. Trains and launches will ply keeping half of the seats vacant than the total number. Everyone has to wear face masks. Hand sanitizer has to be kept on the bus. Drivers and their assistants will not be allowed to provide service without having Covid vaccine certificate. Railway Secretary Dr. Humayun Kabir said, after abiding by the directives of government trains will carry passengers keeping half of the seats vacant from Saturday. According t BIWTA source, launches will carry half of the passengers than the allocated seats but fare will be unchanged. Dhaka road transport owners association general secretary Khandekar Enayet Ullah said, if we ply buses keeping half of the seats vacant than there will be public transport crisis. In this situation passengers will not get bus to board. BRTA Chairman has verbally confirmed about taking passengers according to the allocated seats on a bus. The government has imposed 11-point restriction to contain coronavirus transmission. Of the restrictions there was the direction to stop holding social, political and religious gatherings. The notification of the cabinet division also highlighted that road trans port and bridges ministry will take decision of controlling the number passengers on public transport.   In the recent time the transmission of coronavirus is increasing in geometrical rate. IN the last 24 hours 4,378 new cases were traced and six people died in the country. AH         

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday urged people of those areas which have been put under lockdown to follow the government’s directives strictly and face the situation with patience. “Considering high risk of coronavirus transmission, the government has declared general holidays in some areas of some districts and city corporations and people of those areas should follow the government directives,” said Quader at a regular briefing at his official residence. Obaidul Quader said the visiting Chinese expert team has appreciated the role of doctors and health workers of Bangladesh despite having various limitations of the government. He urged all to follow the hygiene rules and said negligence of one second, laziness in hand washing for just 20 seconds can create dangerous health risks. In response to the BNP secretary general's allegation that they were obstructed in the relief work, Quader asked them to mention who are obstructing them and provide evidence. Action will be taken if the allegation is proved true, he said adding that obstruction in humanitarian work is not the policy of Awami League. The minister also said that the government has taken initiatives to expand emergency services including installing ICU and providing necessary equipment in district level hospitals. Along with the government, private initiatives can do a lot during this crisis, he said. The government is trying to increase corona testing capacity and treatment facilities despite various limitations, said Quader. Samples are being tested already in more than 60 labs and it will be also increased if needed, he said. Besides, special initiatives have been taken to procure medical equipment, safety equipment and other necessary equipment, said Obaidul Quader. He urged everyone to get tested if there is any symptom of virus infection instead of hiding it. Source: UNB AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a meeting on Wednesday discussed the Covid-19 situation in the country and issued directives to contain the pandemic. The meeting was held at the PM’s official residence Ganabhaban to discuss the latest Covid-19 situation. At the meeting, Sheikh  Hasina  discussed  the steps taken so far  to contain coronavirus, plan to procure medical equipment and future steps to face the Covid-19. "The Prime Minister gave various directives in this regard," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB. Cabinet Secretary  Khandker Anwarul Islam, PM's Principal  Secretary  Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, PMO Secretary  Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, PM's personal  physician Prof. Dr. ABM Abdullah, Director  General  of the Directorate  General  of Health  Services  Prof. Dr. Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad and Director  of Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) of the Directorate General of Health Services Abu Hena Morshed Zaman were present at the meeting. On May 30, the Prime Minister, while holding a meeting with the National Technical Advisory Committee formed to fight Covid-19 in the country, directed the authorities concerned to engage local public representatives in a greater way in containing the novel coronavirus in the country. On April 19, the government formed the 17-member National Technical Advisory Committee with a view to containing the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Source: UNB AH

The government on Tuesday issued some directives and restrictions for ‘red zone’ areas, asking residents to strictly follow the restrictions. The restrictions initially set for the ‘Red Zone’ are as follows – 1. Agricultural work can be done during extended time following health guidelines. 2. Workers can work in factories and agricultural product producing factories after ensuring health hygiene issues in the villages but in the town area operation of the factories will be closed. 3. People should do office work from home. 4. Public gatherings will be prohibited while only sick people will be allowed to go to hospital. 5. People will be allowed to go outside for emergency needs and plying of rickshaw vans, CNG and private cars will remain off the road. 6. Operation of vehicles on road, river ways and railways will remain close in the red zone areas. 7. Goods-laden river vessels and ships can be operated at night. 8. Entrance and exit points of the red zone will be strictly controlled. 9. Grocery shops and pharmacy shops under the red zone will be opened while restaurant and food shops can continue their services through home delivery. People can go to market for emergency needs while the shopping mall, theatre and sports complex will remain shut. 10. Financial activities can be operated through ATMs after ensuring health guidelines but the banking system in the area can be open on a limited scale. 11. Samples for Covid-19 test will be collected from patients and the Covid-19 patient will be kept in home isolation or institutional isolation. 12. Only mosque employees and staffers can offer prayers at mosques after maintaining social distance. 13. Red zone areas will be effective for 21 days and the zoning system can be changed following improvement of the situation. Besides, the following general rules must be followed in all regions of Bangladesh, including the Red Zone: 1. Everyone must wear masks. Ensure hand washing, disinfection, cleanliness and social distance. 2. Take necessary steps for identifying Covid-19 patient and their treatment and isolation. 3. Ensure contact tracing and quarantine for those came in contact with Covid-19 patient. 4. Emergency services providing organisations including health care centres and hospitals should remain open. Vehicles including ambulance carrying sick people can be operated with the directives from authorities concerned. 5. All educational institutions, schools, colleges, coaching centres will remain shut until further notice. 6. Ensure performances of the field workers for monitoring the activities and effective social involvement. The authorities concerned will take necessary steps for ensuring services and other facilities of the citizens. Considering the lives and livelihood of people, the government has resumed all economic activities in a limited scale from May 31 after 66 days of general holidays across the country to contain transmission of coronavirus. Amid the growing concern of coronavirus cases for the last several days, the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued some directives to curb spread of coronavirus on June 10 and the purpose of these guideline is to identify and implement any small or large area of the country as a red, yellow or green zone in view of the ongoing risk of Covid-19 disease. The District Civil Surgeon concerned will implement the zoning activities with the help of the public representatives, local administration, law enforcing agencies, armed forces and volunteer organisation. Red Zones in Bangladesh Some areas of the two city corporations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Narshingdi and Gazipur district have been marked as ‘Red zones’ to contain the spread of coronavirus. Seventeen areas under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 28 areas under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 11 areas in Chattogram, Sadar, Rupganj and Araihazar upazilas of Narayanganj, Narsingdi Model and Madhabdi thanas, Palash upazila in Narsingdi district and all upazilas of Gazipur district will be declared as Red zones. Those areas are being considered as Red Zones in Dhaka and Chattogram city corporations where 60 cases in the last 14 days or among 100,000 population were detected, according to a source of DGHS. Source: UNB AH

The Supreme Court Special Committee for Judicial Reforms has laid out a set of guidelines for judicial officials about using social media. They have been asked to shun social media during office hours (9:30am-4:30pm) and follow eight directives and avoid doing 11 things while using social media platforms. The Supreme Court issued a circular on Sunday to this end. Reports UNB. Violation of these directives will be treated as ‘misconduct’ and in that case ‘Bangladesh Judicial Service (Discipline) Rules, 2017’ and others laws will be applicable, the SC warned. The committee observed that an excessive use of social media leads to a sort of addiction which, in turn, negatively affects personal and professional life.  Things to follow Officials have been asked to be careful while selecting writings, pictures, audio and videos for publishing them on social media.  The SC has suggested not sharing unnecessary or unimportant status or post, and ensuring authenticity and reliability of information to be published.  The judicial officials have been asked to be very careful and judgmental while exchanging and publishing personal and family information. The court says there might be a portal or group for judiciary officials where they can exchange under-trial issues, academic discussion on legal issues except personal things.  The officials have been directed to abide by state rules and act with responsibility while using social media.  They have to be careful about choosing friends and exchanging information on social media. They have also been asked not to accept friend request from persons related to trial or cases. Eleven things to be avoided  Supreme Court Special Committee for Judicial Reforms directs judicial officials to avoid mandatorily eleven things while using social media.  They must remain away from expressing or publishing information, comments or feelings against national unity and spirit, comments that might hurt religious sentiments, information related to political ideology, information that discriminates and humiliates any community, any individual, institution and the state, gender-discriminatory information or feelings, information, feelings and comments that may create public annoyance and unpleasant attitude and personal feelings related to any trial and over any decision taken by controlling and proper authorities. The judicial officials must refrain from sharing images or video clips of justices of the Supreme Court and avoid sharing, publishing and tagging others in irrelevant, unnecessary, humiliating and anti-ethical status, post, link and picture. AH

To prevent fire accident and to avert loss caused after the accident Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a set of directives. Her directives came in while holding the regular cabinet meeting at the secretariat on Monday. Of the directives there are- Following the proper process while issuing the Fire Service and Civil Defense safety clearance certificate during construction of high rise buildings. Keeping system for renewal clearance certificate. During fire most of the people die of suffocation due to smoke. So modern system has to be taken to control smoke. Emphasizing on preserving the water reservoirs, lakes and canals to increase supply of water in the capital. Purchasing fire dousing and human rescue equipments. Fire Service has only three ladders/long stairs to reach up to 22nd floor during fire and other accidents. The number has to be increased. Homes, offices and commercial buildings have to be constructed keeping doors and windows in each side and have to ensure hundred percent fire exit. Have to fix other types of doors instead of electric doors so that those can be opened when there is no electric supply or during accidental period. There should be a system to fix net around the building so that anybody cannot fall to death. Verandas have to be kept in schools and hospitals so that people can take shelter during the time of any accident. To save space interior designers make their designs by covering all the inner spaces. This type of design will not be allowed. There should be enough space so that people can move freely. Awareness should be increased so that people do not use lift in the time of accident. There should be more than one door for people’s entrance and exit. The one door entrance system should be prohibited. The meeting was held with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. After the meeting Cabinet Secretary Md. Shafiul Alam delivered the information at a press conference. AH            

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a set of directives to celebrate the 31st night on the eve of the English New Year in a safe and peaceful manner. In the directives, the DMP requested the city dwellers not to engage in any activities such as illicit conducts, blasting crackers, rash driving or create any obstacle on the road in the name of celebration of the 31st night. It also imposed a ban on holding open air programs at intersections, roads, flyovers, and rooftops to prevent any kind of apprehension of sliding the law and order. As per the directives, no outside vehicles as well as outsiders will be allowed to enter Dhaka University (DU) after 6pm today. Vehicles of the teachers and residents of Dhaka University will be allowed to enter the DU campus through Nilkhet and Shahbagh crossings. The DMP authority has also discouraged outsiders to enter Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara areas after 6pm today. “We will provide all possible security to ensure peaceful and smooth celebrations of Christmas and [December] 31st night,” said DMP Commissioner Md. Asaduzzaman Mia after a meeting on security and traffic management. Elaborating on the security arrangement for Christmas Day, he said, “No one will be allowed to enter any of the 68 churches in the DMP area without going through metal detectors and proper search.” Regarding security arrangement for December 31st night, Asaduzzaman said, “The government has already imposed a ban on December 31 celebrations. Holding any kind of programme in open places, even at rooftops, has been strictly prohibited.” “All bars will be closed from the night of December 30; holding of ‘DJ parties’ are also forbidden,” he said, adding that no one will be allowed to enter the Dhaka University area without identity cards. Source: BSS. AH

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has issued a set of directives asking the authorities concerned to take up different measures including keeping doors of the running buses always closed and stopping getting in and down of passengers without stoppage to ensure road safety in the capital. The directives came from a meeting of the Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) of the PMO on “Development of Traffic System in Dhaka City” held at the PMO on Thursday. Reports BSS. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md. Nojibur Rahman chaired the meeting while GIU Deputy Director Mohammad Ali Newaz Russell made a power-point presentation on the occasion. The directives were given about transport management, road management, fitness and license of vehicles and dissemination of government steps through mass media. Among the directives, the government asked the authorities concerned to take up measures to keep doors of all public transports always closed while moving and stop getting in and down of passengers without stoppage. The directives also included showing names of driver and helper with pictures, driving license and mobile numbers at two noticeable places at vehicles by August 20 next, keeping up all activities of Traffic Week until next directive and introducing remote-controlled automatic electric signaling system in Dhaka city. The decisions also include making mandatory the wearing of helmets by the motorcycle riders and riding highest two persons on a motorbike as well as compelling them to abide by all traffic rules including signals. Directives were also given to fasten seat belts by the drivers of passenger vehicles, especially long-distance buses, side by side with making arrangements for introducing seat belts in the vehicles for the passengers. Legal steps will be taken against those who will breach the law. Besides, the meeting took a decision to take effective steps to completely stop crossing of roads by the pedestrians in all roads of the capitals within hundred meters of the foot-over bridges or underpasses. If possible, those citizens who are respectable to the law can be conferred upon ‘thanks’ or ‘laudable’ words. The meeting also decided to take steps so that the citizens feel motivated to use various city establishments with ease and comfort like ensuring necessary cleaning and security at the foot-over bridges and underpasses, necessary lights at the underpasses, installation of CCTVs and mirrors outside the underpasses. Apart from these, directives have also been issued to make visible the zebra crossings and road signs in all the roads of the capital, freeing the footpaths from the hawkers side by side with freeing the roads from illegal parking and illegal structures. The name plates of all the roads will have to be installed in a visible place. The meeting also decided to take effective steps to introduce automatic electric signaling system side by side with preventing the movement over the road dividers through raising the height of all road dividers in the capital. The meeting on improving the traffic system in Dhaka city also took a decision to deploy mobile courts, ensure presence of the members of law enforcement agencies and check the fitness of vehicles and driving licenses on random sampling basis in at least two places to and from Mohakhali flyover to Farmgate. Besides, initiatives will have to be taken to make arrangements for crossing of roads by the students with the help of the senior students, scouts, and BNCC just before and after the academic activities in coordination with all educational institutions in the capital. The Ministry of Education will give necessary directives in this regard. Regarding the fitness and license of vehicles, the meeting decided to take steps against illegal transports, and in case of providing fitness certificates to the vehicles, the concerned authorities will have to take fruitful steps after inspecting the vehicles, scrutinizing the possibility of speedily “crash” the route-permit less/unfit vehicles. The authorities will have to expedite the process for distributing licenses and in this case, driving test can be taken before providing the ‘learner’ license while the successfully passed out candidates can be provided with licenses with the shortest possible time. If there is any shortage of officials and employees, then those could be fulfilled through the concerned authorities. For ensuring all-out publicity of these measures before the common people, steps will have to be taken to ensure wide-range coverage of these decisions in the mass media. About the contents, the directives could be taken from the PMO, if necessary. Besides, various directives have already been given to the different ministries and divisions over the ongoing activities to restore discipline and road safety on the roads and highways. Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Chief Coordinator on SDG Affairs at the PMO, Senior Secretary of the Local Government Division, PMO Secretary, Roads and Highways Division Secretary, CEOs of Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations, DG (Admin) PMO, DG (GIU)PMO will inspect various points from the Airport Road to Nagar Bhaban on Saturday morning. All the concerned offices will send their “quick win”, short-term, mid-term and long-term plans to the PMO within a very short time. The GIU will review again the already undertaken steps for improving the traffic system as well as addressing the traffic jam in the capital and thus place a report again before the PM’s Principal Secretary. AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave 23-point directives to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) while inaugurating the three-day DCs Conference- 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital on Tuesday. Following are the directives: 1. Keep a sharp vigil so that people do not become victims of harassment and deprivation in any way in receiving government services. 2. Save the youth community from narcotics and continue drives against drugs. 3. Discharge your duty with more sincerity to maintain peace, discipline and stability by stamping out militancy, terrorism and communalism. 4. Take initiatives for alleviating poverty through rural infrastructure development, flourishing potential local small and medium industries and creating employment. 5. Give leadership to develop and flourish information and communication technology. 6. Work together with the public representatives in establishing good governance at the grassroots level. 7. Take measures to increase female education rate and bring back the dropped out students in the mainstream. 8. Keep a sharp eye on raising transparency and efficiency of land administration and management and protecting government lands. 9. Take all necessary steps for an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers, seeds, electricity and fuel to boost agriculture production. 10. Create massive mass awareness about preventing marketing of adulterated food items and curbing this unethical practice with iron hands. 11. Further strengthen the community clinic activities to ensure healthcare services to the poor and underprivileged community. 12. Raise mass awareness about protecting environment and ensuring a proper enforcement of laws and rules related to it. 13. Take right steps at right time according to the Disaster Management Law, 2012 and its related directives to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. 14. Make effective the village courts to provide justice to the common people easily and reduce case logs in the courts. 15. Make all district-level committees active, dynamic and fruitful. 16. Strengthen activities including observance of the information fair, the service week to reach existing services of the government offices at the grassroots level. 17. Take steps for maintaining peace in the industrial zones and uninterrupted good transportation and export-import as well as rooting out tender manipulation, muscle power and terrorism. 18. Give importance to the round-the-clock monitoring of market management and contain any ill efforts for creating artificial crisis in the market. 19. Increase surveillance to stop woman and child repression and trafficking, dowry, eve teasing and early marriage. 20. Ensure undertaking proper legal steps to halt violence and repression as well as hostile attitudes against women. 21. Increase facilities of sports, entertainment and creative cultural activities in your respective districts and awaken the spirit of the liberation war and cultural and science mind among the children and juveniles. 22. Take special measures for the disabled, autistic and the disadvantageous community. 23. Protect the geo-natural characteristics, forest zones, rivers, water bodies, animal resources of the hill districts and beauty of the hills. Extend all out cooperation to flourish tourism industry as well as small and medium industries and cottage industries. Source: BSS. AH