The Bangladesh government on Monday released new guidelines for the second week-long lockdown starting from 14 April during which all offices and public transport would remain closed. However, factories are exempted from the ban provided they maintain all health guidelines.

The decision came after an earlier week-long lockdown had failed to slow down the pace of the Covid-19 infections in the country. However, the government had provided significant relaxations last week, making the lockdown less effective.

Under the new guidelines, shops, malls, all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private offices have been ordered to remain close. For courts, the government has asked the Supreme Court to set necessary guidelines. 

All public transport, including domestic and international flights, will remain banned. However, cargo flights, diplomatic flights, and emergency services are exempted from the ban. Workers and migrant laborers have been asked to remain at their workstations. 

Also, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will issue separate guidelines for religious festivals falling during the period.  

Drastic measures follow as the country’s health infrastructure became overstressed amid rising Covid-19 infections. People, on the other hand, paid little heed to the government guidelines during last week’s lockdown.