Dhaka: Bangladesh has enforced a nationwide lockdown again from April 5 for one week, announced the Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.

Quader briefed the media at his official residence in the capital on April 3.

The government has taken the decision as the Covid-19 situation worsens in the country. The number of infections and deaths is on the rise with every passing day. On April 2, the government reported nearly 6,900 cases, the highest number of detection in 24 hours since the beginning of the pandemic.

State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said that the establishments that are required to provide emergency services during the lockdown will remain open.

He said this in a video message sent to media from his Baily Road residence in the capital on April 3.

Farhad Hossain said except for the emergency services, industrial factories will also remain open. The workers will work at the factories maintaining health guidelines. A notification could be issued delineating the details this evening, he added.

Earlier, on March 29, the government issued 18-point directives that said except organizations delivering emergency services, all government, and private offices, establishments, and factories have to operate with 50 percent of manpower.

It also asked to restrict all types of social, political, and religious gatherings, following health guidelines in all worship places, and run public transports with 50 percent of capacity.

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