Tougher decision again if Covid-19 situation worsens: Quader

The government may take tough decisions again if the existing situation as regards coronavirus deteriorates further due to non-compliance with health rules and social distancing, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said.

The minister said this while exchanging views in a video conference with the officials and employees of the bridges department from his residence at the Parliament House Monday morning.

He also called upon the transport owners and workers to set a humane example in operating public transport as per the conditions given to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

Mentioning the conditional resumption of public transport on Monday, the minister said that the government adjusted the fare for running the transport leaving half the seats vacant in compliance with the hygiene rules to prevent coronavirus infection.

The minister also called on the vigilance team including the law enforcement agencies, mobile courts and terminal authorities to monitor if the conditions including vacancy of half of the seats, fare increase by 60 percent and adherence to hygiene rules and wearing masks were maintained.

During the videoconferencing, Obaidul Quader also thanked all concerned for taking forward the work of the Padma Bridge in a time of crisis, the highest priority project of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He also mentioned the timely payment of salaries and allowances to the workers working on various projects under the bridges department.

Emphasising strong teamwork in the workplace by making everyone work with patriotism, devotion and honesty, he also expressed hope that Bangladesh would overcome the coronavirus crisis under the courageous and humane leadership of the prime minister.

Secretary of the bridge department Mohammad Belayet Hossain and senior officials of the department and project directors attended the programme.