Live Correspondent: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the countrymen to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr abiding by social distancing and other health regulations amid surge in Covid-19 cases. She also suggested the Muslim devotees to offer Eid prayers avoiding crowd and large congregation which may further worsen the pandemic situation.

The premier made the request while addressing the nation on the eve of one of the two largest religious festivals of Muslims scheduled to be held on Friday.

Speaking about colossal havoc of the pandemic, she said Covid-19 has blocked normal life, prompting the government to impose lockdown and restrict various activities and movement of people.

“The world has been going through a critical juncture triggered by Covid-19 for more than a year. The virus has almost blocked normal life. It is causing procession of deaths and havoc on the economy. It has cast a negative impact on health and economic sectors,” she said.

Although the government policymakers like other people of the country anticipated to get rid of the Covid-19, the reality is contrary to the expectation, she said.

The second wave has shattered all plans and aspirations putting the country in abyss of uncertainty, she added. She requested the affluent people to extend financial and other helps to the poor neighbours in the tough time of pandemic.

The people will have to wear masks, sanitise hands, take vapor and limit visit to relatives not to contribute to the deterioration in corona situation, she suggested. Apart from collecting vaccines from various countries, the government has decided to go for producing the same at home, said Sheikh Hasina.

Mentioning various steps, she said government announced stimulus packages for businessmen, initiated housing projects for homeless and distributed cash and food aids among poor and destitute across the country.

Dhaka, 13 May (campuslive24.com)//AIT