Terming the ongoing fight against coronavirus a war, Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina yesterday said this is the ordeal for the humanity, which deserves compassion. "This is the time to help each other and show humanity. The Bangalees are a nation of heroes. The Bangalee nation faced many disasters and crisis with united efforts," she said while addressing the nation in the evening on the occasion of the Independence and National Day 2020.
The prime minister also urged people to stay at homes to discharge their responsibilities at this critical juncture. "We won in 1971 against our enemy by standing shoulder to shoulder. Fighting coronavirus is also a war and in this war, your responsibility is to stay at home. Inshallah (If Allah wills), we'll win the war with everyone's efforts," she said.
State-owned Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television simultaneously broadcast the PM’s address. Private television channels and radio stations also aired the speech.
She asked the people of the country to strictly follow the health instructions to fight against coronavirus and avoid public gatherings. Sheikh Hasina, in her over 23-minute speech, said right at the moment highest priority for the government is to save
people from the virus. Bangladesh has so far confirmed 39 cases after testing 794 people. Five people have so far died while seven others recovered.
The PM said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared the coronavirus crisis a pandemic and noted the Independence Day will be observed in a different context due to the outbreak as the whole world is upset due to the spread of this virus.
“The rich or poor, developed or developing, small or big, all countries are more or less affected with this virus. Bangladesh is not free from this infection,” she said, urging everyone to avoid arranging programmes, which cause public gatherings.
Hasina said she is aware that people are passing their days in one kind of panic and worry. “I can understand their psychological condition, but in this crisis moment, we’ve to face the situation
with patience and courage,” she said.
Hasina called upon the expatriates, who returned from coronavirus-affected countries to thoroughly follow home-quarantine instructions.