Health experts and the government are discouraging people to leave their respective cities and workplaces ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha in order to prevent further transmission of coronavirus.
Health experts have already expressed apprehension that Covid-19 infection rate may take an upward trend if the people leave cities and come back again in large numbers after Eid.
Eid-ul-Azha may be a big reason for the increase of infections as a large number of people are involved in purchase and slaughter of sacrificial animals and distribution of meat, experts also envisaged.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Prof Nazrul Islam said, “We may see a sharp rise in the Covid-19 infection rate after 15 days of the Eid-ul-Azha. Homebound people will act as carriers of coronavirus and help transmit it to other districts and divisions. As a result, corona will spread widely across the country.”
Besides, cattle markets will be a big source of virus infection, he added.
Prof Nazrul Islam, also a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee formed to fight Covid-19, said they have recently advised the government not to allow any cattle market inside the city limits of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Chattogram.
However, sensing the impending danger the government has already decided to suspend goods transportation for nine days during the Eid-ul-Azha holiday.
In this regard, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday said public transport could be operated during the Eid-ul-Azha vacation, but goods-laden vehicles would remain off the roads.
Though public transports will be plying highways, the government is indirectly advising everyone to avoid Eid journey.
To that end, Bangladesh Railway has decided not to increase the number of trains during the oncoming Eid.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan on Saturday said the railway authorities will not increase the number of trains during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He said currently 17 pairs of passenger trains are running following necessary health guidelines.
Moreover, in order to contain the virus, the government has also decided not to extend the three-day Eid holiday asking the government employees not to leave their workplaces.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said no employee working in the garment factories will be allowed to go home this Eid.