Bustling Narayanganj left without crowds

The port city of Narayanganj was virtually deserted as the local administration put the entire district on ‘lockdown’ from Wednesday morning in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, repots news agency UNB.

The decision to lockdown the district was taken on Tuesday as the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has identified it as the hotspot of coronavirus transmission.

A few shops at kitchen markets in the city were seen open while others remained shut since Tuesday night, said additional superintendent of Narayanganj police Mostafizur Rahman. “Everything remains shut as per the government order and we’re on a hardline over the issue.”

However, emergency services like medical care and supply chain remained out of the purview of the restrictions.

Wishing anonymity, an official of a law enforcement agency said some areas in sadar and Siddhirganj upazilas, including Fatullah, were found to be most vulnerable spots for coronavirus transmission.

On Tuesday night, an ISPR release said the entire district of Narayanganj would be placed on complete lockdown from Wednesday and it would remain in force until further notice.

Civil administration, armed forces and other law enforcement agencies in coordination with local representatives would jointly work to this end, said the release.

Bangladesh on Wednesday reported 54 more coronavirus cases raising the total number of cases to 218. Until 7 April, 38 people were found to be infected with the novel virus in Narayanganj.