Two more cops die of coronavirus in Dhaka

Two more policemen have died of coronavirus in Dhaka taking the toll to three in the force.

The deceased are assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Abdul Khaleq and traffic constable Ashek Mahmud.

Abdul Khaleq was posted at Mirpur police academy where he used to carry out the role of imam at the academy mosque, according to the police.

Khaleq, a resident of Betagi upazila of Barguna, died while undergoing treatment at an Arambagh hospital in the city. He was survived by two daughters and a son.

Another deceased, Ashek Mahmud was admitted at the ICU of Central Police Hospital, Rajarbagh in the city, said Badrul Hassan, additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police north (traffic).

He tested COVID-19 positive on the following day of his admission at the hospital on 26 April, Badrul added.

Ashek Mahmud stayed at the Rajarbagh traffic barrack. He was from Melandaha, Jamalur, and is survived by two sons.

Earlier, a policeman died of coronavirus at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on 28 April. The deceased Jasim Uddin, 40, was the first coronavirus fatality in the country’s police force.

Coronavirus cases are increasing among the DMP officials with confirmed cases 281 till 29 April.

Among the infected, 12 are women. The detected have been admitted to Central Police Hospital, Rajarbagh.

The identified policemen are from 22 departments including DMP criminal department, transport, protection, development, investigation, special action and so on.

According to police officials, police members regularly patrol to ensure social distancing rules and lockdown. They also spray disinfect on the roads and assist people. While carrying out such tasks, they contract coronavirus unknowingly.