14-day strict lockdown from July 23

The government on Tuesday announced another two weeks of strict lockdown from July 23 after restrictions will be relaxed for a week from 14 July to facilitate trades and economic activities centering Eid-ul-Azha. Additionally, a new set of restrictions to be imposed following the relaxation from 23 July to 5 August.

The Cabinet Division has issued a gazette notification in this regard detailing the rules and regulations listed below to be imposed from 23 July. 

• All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will be closed;

• Road, rail and waterways public transport (including domestic aircraft) and all types of motorised vehicles will be closed;

• All shops including shopping malls / markets will be closed;

• All tourist centres, resorts, community centres and recreation centres will be closed;

• All kinds of factory will be closed; 

• All public gatherings such as social (wedding ceremonies, birthdays, picnics, parties, etc), political and religious ceremonies will be closed;

• The Supreme Court of Bangladesh will issue necessary directions to the courts;

• The Bangladesh Bank will issue necessary instructions to ensure banking services;

• Government officials will remain on their workstations and conduct office activities virtually (via e-tendering, email, SMS, WhatsApp etc);

• Law enforcement and other emergency services such as agricultural elements (fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, equipment etc), crops and transportation, relief distribution, health services, covid-19 vaccination, electricity, water, gas/petroleum, fire service, telephone and internet (government- private), media (print and electronic media), private security systems, post, bank, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals and other emergency and essential products and services related offices, their employees and vehicles can move showing their institutional identity cards;

• The Finance Division will provide necessary instructions to keep the office of the Accounting Officer at the divisional, district and upazila level open;

• Trucks / lorry / covered vans / cargo vessels used for transportation of goods will be exempted from the ban;

• Ports (air, sea, naval and land) and related offices will be exempted from the ban; 

• Kitchen markets materials and daily necessities can be bought and sold in the open from 9am to 3pm in accordance with hygiene rules. Market authorities / local administration will confirm the matter;

• Except for absolute necessity (medicine and daily essential products, treatment, burial/funeral, etc), no one can go outside;

• Movements will be allowed for Covid-19 vaccine candidates upon presenting vaccine card;

• Food shops and hotels-restaurants will be open for takeaway/online from 8am to 8pm;

• International flights will continue and passengers will be able to travel via car by showing their international travel tickets;

• The Ministry of Religious Affairs will issue instructions regarding prayers in the mosque following hygiene rules;

• Under the "Army in Aid to Civil Power Act", the Armed Forces Division will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrolling at the field level. The district magistrate will confirm the matter in consultation with the local army commander;

• The district magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method, and time of patrolling of the Army, BGB/Coast Guard, Police, RAB and Ansar;

• The Ministry of Public Administration will ensure the appointment of the required number of Executive Magistrates at the field level;

• Under the Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act, 2018, the Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will allow the district administration and the police force to take legal action on his behalf.