IGP instructs police to implement govt directives for preventing Covid-19 infection
The IGP issued the instruction to all metropolitan, range, and district police superintendents by video conference from police headquarters on 4 April
Given the current state of Covid-19 in Bangladesh, the Inspector General of Police, Dr Benazir Ahmed BPM (Bar), has asked law enforcement officials to properly implement the government directives provided by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Cabinet Division in order to curb the latest worrying spike in Covid-19 cases.
The IGP issued the instruction to all metropolitan, range, and district police superintendents by video conference from police headquarters on 4 April, reads a press release.
To slow down the Covid-19 infection rate during the second wave of the virus in the country, on 29 March, the PMO provided an 18-point directive, and on 4 April, the Cabinet Division gave an 11-point directive.
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The IGP said the government's directives should be enforced from tomorrow (5 April). The IGP emphasised motivating people to make sure the directives are followed and to not use force.
The IGP said that like last year, markets should be set up in open spaces and full hygiene must be ensured in shops which remain open.
Regarding ensuring the quarantine of people returning from abroad, the IGP said that if anyone comes from abroad, they have to spend 14 days in quarantine and if necessary, their locations would be marked.
However, Benazir Ahmed said that emergency services, factories, and garments factories will remain open during the lockdown. However, public transport will remain suspended except for transport carrying essential goods.
Instructing police officers and the force to perform their duties following proper hygiene rules, the IGP said they have to perform their duties in compliance with health rules.
"Protective materials such as PPE, face shields, and masks, must be worn appropriately when in contact with Covid-19 patients and the deceased."
The IGP further directed the strict implement of the 'No Mask No Entry' policy at all police facilities. He also instructed police officers to regularly disinfect all police facilities.
The IGP said that after the coronavirus was detected in the country in March last year, the police played a historic role by taking a more humanitarian approach in standing by the citizenry.
He hoped that everyone, including law enforcement agencies in the country, will work together to curb the spread of the virus during this second wave by following and implementing government directives.
