Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged members of the public not to panic about the growing coronavirus crisis, saying the “darkness” will go away if they battle the pandemic with courage.

She addressed the nation on the eve of the Bengali New Year amid the ongoing shutdown imposed by the government to limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The prime minister’s televised speech came on Monday amid a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths. Five more patients died from the infection, bringing the death toll to 39. The tally of cases rose to 803 after another 182 people tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours, the sharpest daily jump.

“Darkness is engulfing our world because of the coronavirus. We shall overcome this and journey through to a new sunlit day,” Hasina said calling for a collective resolve to fight the epidemic.

The Bengali year 1427 begins on Tuesday with the entire population staying indoors amid the coronavirus shutdown.

The nation celebrates Pahela Baishakh or the first day of Bengali New Year with much fanfare. It turned into the biggest secular festival in the country with the participations of everyone from across their religion or ethnicity.

Mangal Shobhajatra, the colourful procession symbolising the positive force, is taken out by the Institute of Fine Arts. The procession has become part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.

But the government banned all programmes and mass gatherings marking the New Year amid risks of contagion. People can celebrate the event with their families at home but no outdoor gathering is allowed.

The government extended the lockdown to Apr 25 ordering the citizens to remain indoors from 6pm to 6am.

Hasina opened her speech saying, “I wish everyone in Bangladesh and abroad a happy Bangla New Year.”

She noted that the programmes of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary were held without any gathering and broadcast through radio, TV and digital media.

“We will celebrate Pahela Baishakh in the same way. We will celebrate the Bangla New Year at home,” the prime minister said.

She spoke of the traditional events and rituals of Pahela Baishakh and added, “This time I urge all to collect green mango, black plum, guava, water melon and other seasonal fruits and celebrate the Bangla New Year at home.”

“Please don’t leave home unless you have a good reason. Follow the health rules. Protect yourselves and your families from coronavirus infection,” Hasina said.

Acknowledging the lack of resources and risk of death, the prime minister also thanked the doctors, nurses and other health workers for being on the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus.

“Please don’t lose morale in this time of crisis. All the people are at your side. I thank and congratulate you on behalf of the people,” she told the health workers.

The government will allocate Tk 1 billion in special honorarium for its health workers who have been directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, she said.

It will arrange insurance for doctors, nurses, health workers, field-level administrative officials, law enforcement, armed forces and border guards who are engaged in the fight against the virus, the prime minister added.

If someone is infected while on duty, they will get health insurance worth between Tk 500,000 and 1 million, according to her.

The amount will increase five times in case of death, she said and added the government is allocating Tk 7.5 billion for the health and life insurances.

The prime minister also thanked the law-enforcement, armed forces, public servants, media workers, and those involved in transporting COVID-19 patients and their funeral and burial.

By the end of her speech, Hasina advised the people to boldly combat the situation and not to get misled by rumours.

“Please don’t be afraid. Fear weakens our immunity. Do not spread panic. We must face this adversity with courage. The government is always beside you.”

She said some groups were spreading rumours to mislead citizens. “It is absolutely unacceptable during this crisis. Please do not get confused,” Hasina said.

The prime minister urged the media workers to present accurate information responsibly to help combat the pandemic.

“The Bengalis are a heroic nation. The people here have battled many past disasters with valour. We are a victorious nation, earned our victory in the 1971 Liberation War. Insha Allah, we will be able to beat back the coronavirus epidemic together,” she said.

https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2020/04/13/hasina-calls-for-resolve-to-keep-darkness-at-bay-as-virus-cases-deaths-surge