Shops, shopping malls to reopen soon

Strict lockdown is underway across the country to tackle recent upsurge of Covid spike. In this circumstance, shopping malls and shops are closed despite the upcoming Eid. However, it has already been decided to extend the ongoing lockdown for another week till April 28. 

According to reliable sources, shopping malls and shops are being considered to reopen keeping in mind the Eid traders. Besides, several senior secretaries have expressed their views on the introduction of “limited economic activities”.

Meanwhile, a concerned government source said that the shops may be reopened next Sunday on the occasion of the upcoming Eid, keeping in mind the overall economy including the shop owners and employees. However, special attention will be paid to ensure strict hygiene.

According to meeting sources, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus and Abdur Rauf Talukder, Senior Secretary of the Finance Division, said the wheel of the economy needed to be turned at least in the interest of people’s livelihood. “The issue of transport workers should be considered from a humanitarian point of view,” remarked Nazrul Islam, Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division.  

Meanwhile, the question of public transport comes as soon as the issue of reopening of shops arises. According to the responsible sources, the decision to extend the lockdown for one week will be issued in the form of an order. Then there may be another supplementary order later this week, i.e., Thursday, to decide whether to open the shops. 

Earlier, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had been asked to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to open shops and shopping malls, so that people could go to the malls in compliance with the hygiene rules.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader told a press briefing on Monday that “the government was thinking of easing the lockdown before Eid” for the sake of life and livelihood. “The lockdown may be relaxed for homebound people during Eid. Be mentally prepared and be patient,” he added.