Police want authority to fine people disregarding health guidelines
Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed proposed this at a meeting of the National Committee on Covid-19 Control
To curb the spread of Covid-19, the police have sought the authority to punish or fine those who move around outside without adhering to health guidelines.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed proposed this at a meeting of the National Committee on Control of Covid-19 chaired by Health Minister Zahid Malque on May 30.
Requesting the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) provide the police with the full address of those infected with Covid-19, the IGP said at the meeting: "Police can take appropriate steps, with this, in the areas with Covid-19 infected people."
At the meeting, he also proposed granting police the authority to punish or fine.
However, it is known from the minutes of the meeting that no such decision has been taken.
Speaking at the meeting, the health minister said that the testing facility, isolation centre and hospital facility promised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for garment workers and other industry workers have not been launched yet.
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud expressed concern over BGMEA not taking any promised measures for the health of garment workers.
Commerce Minister Topu Munshi told the meeting that the BGMEA must be pressured to start medical facilities for workers.
When asked about the issue, BGMEA Vice-President Faisal Samad told The Business Standard, on Monday, that factories are being run maintaining health regulations, and there was no point in discussing the issue after all this time.