Live Correspondent: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (March 31) directed not to hold any public programmes marking the upcoming Bangla New Year (April 14).

She made the directive while speaking with officials of 64 districts in a video conference that started at 10am from her official residence Ganabhaban.

She also asked to celebrate Bangla New Year digitally and avoid public programmes to mark the festival. The premier said: "It is painful to shut Pahela Baishakh programme but will have to do for the sake of public interest."

She also asked people not to pay heed to any rumours. "We have achieved independence through a battle, we will also win this fight," the PM said.

Sheikh Hasina also said the ongoing holidays might be extended till April 9 to contain the spread of coronavirus in Bangladesh. The premier said, “We might extend the holiday till April 9 with some relaxation for some sectors on limited basis."

Dhaka 31 March (campuslive24.com)//tr