Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Tuesday urged people not to travel to their village homes for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus outbreak in the country.
“Stay where you are, instead of going home… Stop wherever you are being stopped and come back right away,” the IGP said at a press conference on law and order ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr amidst the ongoing epidemic.
Urging people not to visit unnecessarily, Benazir said, “You may just add a number in the coronavirus death toll. But you are the world to your family.”
Police would help, if any one needs to travel on emergency basis, he said urging people to obey the health instructions issued by government.
The IGP further said they saw many people attempting to go to villages, defying the government’s instruction.
“These attempts pose high risk of spreading coronavirus. We request you to stay at your current locations,” Benazir said.
Referring to large number of crowd at the ferry jetties on Padma River, the IGP said the river police were told to stop them.
Those who boarded the ferries have been told to come back, said Benazir adding, police would arrange their return if needed.
Amid lax enforcement of movement curbs, thousands of people have left Dhaka for their village homes ahead of Eid over a couple of days, raising fear of further spread of coronavirus.
“Coronavirus has spread in all districts due to people’s movement,” the police boss said.
On people shopping for Eid, Benazir urged the shoppers to avoid visiting more markets and return home as soon as possible.
“We are working round the clock to stop unnecessary movement,” he insisted.
On Eid congregation, the police chief said, prayers would be held in mosques this year instead of open spaces.
Police advised Imams to make Eid payers as short as possible.
“Abide by security measures and don’t go on outing on Eid day,” Benazir said.