Despite the visible alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, the people in general appear to be ignorant about safety rules --- even the minimum wearing of face masks. It is indeed a matter of shame and concern that people are choosing livelihood to living themselves besides infecting others. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given her final warning against the health rule violators after she gave all possible considerarion for the livelihood of the people that "tough" steps will be taken if they continued to flout the government orders to contain the very contagious South African variant of COVID-19.
For the first time since the pandemic started a year ago, the prime minister has talked tough because she knows that the rising number might turn into a health disaster with hospitals overflowing. The hospitals have run out of Intensive Care Unit and general beds as we have reported and families are running from one hospital to the other to save the lives of their dear ones.
"We are witnessing the blow. Although we have taken some measures to fight the pandemic, we might have to take tougher steps in future to save lives of the people and we must do it ... The life and livelihoods of the people must go on. We cannot inflict the people with sufferings. But maintaining health guidelines is crucially important," Sheikh Hasina categorically alerted all concerned.
It is indeed very frustrating for her as she fought on despite the pandemic to make Bangladesh a showcase for COVID management and keeping the economy at its best, something that all Bangladeshis should be proud about. The country saw a reduction by 20 percent from 41 percent the poverty level and achieved 8.15 percent GDP growth in the last 12 years.
The first "lockdown" or health restriction was slowly eased and factories remained open subject to complying with the health rules. Thinking about the sufferings of commuters her government allowed buses to operate and then came the conditional permission to open shops and malls.What did we see? A massive violation by all and incidents of graft by some section. The buses or auto-rickshaws operated charging higher fare than approved but without maintaining the health rules. Baby food and medicine prices shot up.
Making profit at the cost of people already in misery is a huge shame! The country has registered 54,000 news COVID cases in the first eight days of April. Isn't it worrying? Let us be wise and help each other to survive. This in turn will help the prime minister to give us a better life and lessen the shame that has been brought on by our ignorance to health rules. We thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for being so kind and considerate. It is the fault of the people for bringing about this alarming health situation. Wake up people before it is too late!
Latest News