Timeline

Active steps taken by the government of Bangladesh helping to fix the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation in Bangladesh

January 22, 2020

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities in Dhaka, Bangladesh started screening all travelers coming from China through the thermal scanners. [7, 8, 11, 17].

January 31, 2020

Evacuated stranded Bangladeshi people from China's Wuhan city by Biman Bangladesh Airlines special flight, and all of them were in quarantine for two weeks. [7-8]

February 01, 2020

A special Bangladeshi flight evacuated 312 stranded Bangladeshi citizens in Wuhan. The evacuees were quarantined at Ashkona Hajj Camp in Dhaka and other locations for 14 days. None of them were tested COVID-19 positive. [8]

February 02, 2020

The Bangladeshi government cancelled visas on arrival of Chinese visitors here. The port of Chittagong took precautionary action to stop the spread of COVID-19 from ships carrying goods from all over the world. [7, 8, 17]

March 08, 2020

The planned elevated opening ceremony of the father of the nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary celebration events were cancelled to avoid public gatherings which was scheduled to be held on March 17. [8, 17]

March 14, 2020

On arrival visas for all countries were suspended, and flights from all European countries other than the United Kingdom were stopped. [8, 17]

March 15, 2020

142 Passengers who had also been taken to the Ashkona Hajj camp returned from Italy. After complaining about the unsanitary conditions there, many of them had been allowed to go home with self-isolation advice. Health experts voiced grave concerns about the operation. [8, 11]

March 16, 2020

Bangladesh's Ministry of Education closed all educational institutions until 31 March 2020, which continues. [7, 8, 11, 17]

March 18, 2020

The national preparedness and response plan (NPRP) for COVID-19 was declared by the Government. [8]

March 19, 2020

The government declared its first lockdown at Madaripur's Shibchar Upazila. The government had also instructed the local authorities to suspend all political and religious conferences, cultural and social gatherings. [7, 8, 11, 17]

March 20, 2020

The Daulatdia Brothel, one of the world's largest brothels, had been ordered to close. [7]

March 21, 2020

The government had announced the cancelation of all state public programmes, including 50th Independence Day celebration and ordered not to gather to prevent the spread of COVID-19. [7, 11, 17]

March 22, 2020

i) Bangladesh's Prime Minister attended a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) video conference and played an important role in creating a 'SAARC COVID-19 emergency fund' and pledged to contribute USD 1.5 million among SAARC regional countries to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.

ii) Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (public examination) was postponed until further notice. [8, 17]

March 23, 2020

The government ordered to close all government and private offices to prevent the spread of coronavirus from March 26 until April 4, 2020. It will remain open only the emergency services such as law enforcement and healthcare. [7-8]

March 24, 2020

i) The government declared a 10-day ban on all public transportation from March 26 to April 4, 2020, including water, rail and domestic air service.

ii) In order to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19, the government deployed the armed forces including police and army to ensure that people maintain social distance and quarantine. [8, 17]

iii) Bangladesh civil aviation authority revoked all domestic flights until April 4, 2020.

March 27, 2020

i) The government announced that three other organizations began testing for COVID-19, in addition to IEDCR. The institutions are Institute of Public Health (IPH), Dhaka Shishu Hospital, and Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Disease (BITID).

ii) Bangladesh's civil aviation authority banned all domestic and international flights, between March 30 and April 7, 2020.

iii) Bangladesh received medical supplies including 30 000 COVID-19 test kits from the Jack Ma Foundation founded by the founder of Alibaba Group. [8, 17]

March 31, 2020

The honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh executed a video-conference with top government officials of Bangladesh in a nationally televised program and outlined action, measures and plans undertaken by the Government against COVID-19. Also, the Prime Minister asked not to celebrate the Bangla New Year on April, 14. [8, 17]

April 01, 2020

Bangladesh's Ministry of Public Administration prolonged the closure until April 9. [7, 8]

April 03. 2020

100 families were put in self-isolation in Narayanganj after a deceased woman found COVID-19 positive the night before. [8, 10]

April 05, 2020

i) Bangladesh's Prime Minister declared a total stimulus package of about USD 8.5 billion (about 2.5 per cent of GDP) to cope with the effects of COVID-19 on the country's economy. 

ii) Again, the government extended the closure to April 14, 2020 with three general holidays. 

iii) Bangladesh's civil aviation authority had announced the extension of suspension until April 14, 2020 of all domestic and international flights. [8, 10]

April 08, 2020

i) The COVID-19 Multisectoral Action Plan for Bangladesh was shared with

the Government of Bangladesh 's Secretary of Economic Relations Divisions. COVID-19's Multisectoral Action Plan was a comprehensive plan for the international community to support MOHFW through the Health Emergency Response, Humanitarian Response, and post-pandemic socio-economic recovery assistance, including the UN and its partners.  

ii) Further to the 5 April meeting, members of the Consortium of Development Partners expressed their respective interest in the area(s) under the three pillars of the Country Preparedness and Response Plan (CPRP) related to health; some participants had expressed their interest in offering financial assistance for unique CPRP activities. At the same time, UN agencies also carried out re-programming of the funds to support the CPRP.

iii) A new volunteer organization called "Doctors for COVID-19 Solution Bangladesh" was formed, bringing together more than 30 specialist doctors from various government and non-governmental institutions. The organization would work with regular monitoring and specialist suggestions and following proper referral system to help facilitate hospital admission. [10]

April 09, 2020

Bangladesh imposed a 'complete lockdown' on Cox's Bazar District, where most of the refugee camps of Rohingya are located. "No entry, no exit – until the situation improves," the government directive stated. [10]

April 10, 2020

The Ministry of Public Administration released a notification that the general holidays would be declared on April 15-16, and April 19-23, 2020 (April 17-18 and April 24-25 were weekends). It clarified that such holidays should not be treated as normal holidays and that the following rules would be strictly enforced during the holiday period: all residents would stay at home and leave only when necessary; legal action would be taken for those who leave after 6:00pm; travel between various locations would be limited; Government service holders were said to be stayed at their work stations in the division, district, upazila and union levels. [10, 12]

April 11, 2020

The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority further extended the suspension of all domestic and international flights until April 30, 2020. [8]

April 12, 2020

i) Bangladesh's government had declared a new stimulus package for the agricultural sector of a total amount of about USD 589 million.

ii) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed all UN Agencies and International Organizations' Diplomatic Missions and Offices in Dhaka that, until 30 April 2020, foreigners with valid visas arriving in Bangladesh from any country affected by COVID-19 would be advised to remain in quarantine for two weeks after their arrival.

iii) At the entry points, health officials would decide whether passengers arriving will be self-quarantined, or in government facilities. Those under self-quarantine would be monitored to strict compliance by law enforcement authorities. Diplomatic, official and Laissez-Passer holders posted in Bangladesh and members of their families with valid visas are exempted from the requirement to present a medical certificate (with English translation) within 72 hours of travel to the country to claim that he/she had no COVID-19 symptoms.

iv) Diplomatic missions were asked to ensure self-quarantine if their diplomats/ employees from any COVID-19 affected country travel to Bangladesh.

v) Foreign nationals staying in Bangladesh with valid visas would have the option of extending their existing visas by 3 (three) months. [10, 12]

April 16, 2020

i) The DGHS / MOHFW signed a declaration stating that "whole of Bangladesh, pursuant to section 11(1) of the infectious disease (Prevention, Control and Elimination) Act, 2018 (no 61 of 2018)" was declared an "infection risk area." [10, 12]

ii) The declaration listed the same restrictions as in the previous notification issued by the Ministry of Public Affairs (all people staying at home and not going out, except for extremely emergent needs; no one was allowed to leave home from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am; restricted movement from one area to another).

April 19, 2020

i) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Department of Health Services released a notification on setting up a national technical advisory committee advised the government on curbing the spread of COVID-19 and enhancing the quality of hospital medical services.

ii) The President of the Medical and Dental Council of Bangladesh would lead the 17members committee and the IEDCR Director had been appointed as member secretary. The terms of reference of the Technical Committee involved advice to the government to monitor the COVID-19, advised to the government on the improvement of standards for hospitals; advised on improving the ability of physicians involved in providing health care; advised on what can be done to motivate the medical practitioners involved.  [10, 12]

April 20, 2020

i) Bangladesh Bank had announced a 30 billion Tk refinancing fund for low-income professionals, farmers and small business owners affected by the shutdown for COVID-19.

ii) The Office of the Prime Minister issued an order assigning district-wise responsibilities to Senior Secretaries and Secretaries to coordinate the activities of COVID-19 for the prevention and relief distribution. In consultation with district parliament leaders, Zilla Parishad president, public representatives, local dignitaries, and concerned officials, the appointed officials would oversee and control the health management and relief activities. They would monitor the situation of law and order in the district, and make adjustments necessary. The appointed officials would notify the ministries, departments and offices concerned about any issues/challenges and would frequently inform the office of the Prime Minister. [10, 12]

April 24, 2020

i) The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that the number of people in mosques for evening prayers had been reduced to twelve (12) to maintain physical distance during Ramadan in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, including senior clerics and other mosque officials; individuals or institutions were not permitted to arrange or take part in any gathering during coronavirus outbreak over Iftar meals in the dusk.

ii) The Public Administration Ministry had released a notification to extend the general holidays from 26 till 5 May 2020. [10, 12]

April 27, 2020

On 27 April 2020, the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority declared that it would extend the previously imposed suspension of scheduled international flights to and from Bangladesh and the suspension of all domestic commercial passenger flights until 7 May 2020. [10, 12]

May 04, 2020

i) The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification further extending the general holidays until May 14, followed by a weekend on May 15-16. The general public and the authorities concerned were reminded to follow the health advisories closely.

ii) Educational institutions continued to be closed. 

iii) The general holidays would not be successful for the following groups and industries: vehicles and staff working in various emergency services, including electricity , water, gas, fire services, ports (land, river and sea), cleaning services, telephone and internet, and postal services; Those involved in the processing of agricultural products, fertilizers , pesticides, foodstuffs, industrial goods, government projects products / equipment, kitchen markets, food shops, pharmacies, hospitals and emergency services; physicians, health professionals, medical vehicles and other medical devices; mass media (electronic and print) personnel; factories related to pharmaceutical products and export-oriented manufacturing, ensuring workers' proper health and hygiene; and all goods-laden vehicles and cargo ships. Other development & distribution sectors, agriculture and services would be resumed in a staggered manner, taking into account the changing situation. [10, 12]

May 09, 2020

i) The DGHS announced that dengue prevalence had been increased in the country.

Since fever might be present in both dengue and COVID-19 cases, in addition to COVID-19 testing, dengue testing would be performed in all patients presenting with fever at health care facilities.

ii) The COVID-19 hotline was to include Dengue coverage in each District /Upazilla. The National Malaria Eradication Program distributed the kits for Dengue Rapid Diagnostic tests to all districts.

iii) The DGHS arranged a video conference on Dengue management with 64 district civilian surgeons and most of the Upazilla Health and Family Planning Officers, instructed to provide the DGHS control room with all dengue-related information; and to prepare the Dengue corner in each district hospital and upazila hospital set up during the last year outbreak. [10, 12]

May 14, 2020

The general holidays and movement restrictions had been extended until 30 May 2020. The holidays were not successful for those involved in processing agricultural products, fertilizer, pesticide, foods, industrial goods, government project supplies/equipment, kitchen markets, food shops, pharmacies, hospitals and emergency services. During the holiday season, the inter-district and inter-Upazila movements were to be strictly regulated and social distance and other health-related advisories were to be maintained during shopping in Ramadan and Eid. [10, 12]

May 16, 2020

i) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told all UN Agencies and International Organizations' diplomatic missions and offices in Dhaka about the extension of the earlier imposed suspension of commercial flights from and to Bangladesh until 30 May 2020.

ii) Hand washing and sanitizing facilities were arranged at the shopping malls' entrance and should be closed by 4:00 pm. [10, 12]

May 19, 2020

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHWF), Health Services Section issued an Office Order with instructions that any government and weekly holidays would remain operational in view of the COVID-19 situation, sample collection, transportation to laboratories, and PCR laboratory testing for COVID-19 during the Eid Holidays. [10, 12]

May 28, 2020

I) The Public Administration Ministry circulated a notification that from 31 May to 15 June 2020 the government decided to conditionally carry out the country's overall activities and public movement. This included as weekend even 5, 6, 12 and 13 June 2020.

ii) During the time, all government / semi-government / autonomous offices must remain open to a limited extent under their own control, and officials should not leave their duty stations. All officials should adhere strictly to the 13-point directive issued by the Department of Health Services / Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, including always wearing a mask.

iii) At least one of the national airlines announced that Dhaka AC and Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP), Chattogram, Osmani International Airport (ZYL0), Sylhet and Saidpur Airport (SPD), Rangpur would resume domestic flight operations effective 1 June 2020. [10, 12]

June 04, 2020

Announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stating,

COVID-19 treatment in public or private hospital in Bangladesh may be applied to the diplomatic and official passport holders offering treatment of COVID-19. [10, 12]

June 12, 2020

In the context of “Bangladesh Risk Zone-Based COVID-19 Containment Implementation Strategy/Guide,” which is based on prevailing risks of spreading the COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/DGHS introduced dividing areas in Red, Yellow and Green Zone. [10, 12]

June 13, 2020

The Coordination Branch of the Ministry of Religious Affairs released an emergency alert circular with orders to the worshipers in the Red zone area to make their own homes a sanctuary, rather than public prayer. [10, 12]

June 14, 2020

A notice was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) claiming that if foreign investors and businessmen having a PCR-based COVID-19 negative medical certificate (with English translation) and related supporting documentation, he or she will be given on-arrival visas at the port of entry in Bangladesh. The medical certificate of COVID-19 negative must be issued   within 72 hours of his/her travel to Bangladesh. [10, 12]

June 15, 2020

The Government released a Cabinet Order extending the duration from 16 June 2020 to 30 June 2020 of conditional cumulative activity and limitation on travel. [10, 12]

June 21, 2020

i)The Ministry of Public Administration released a notification that certain areas in ten (10) districts of the country are designated 'Red Zones' of compliance with the 2018 Infectious Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act.

ii) Furthermore, under conditional general holidays in the Red Zones, the Ministry of Public Administration has proclaimed them to cover a span of 21 days, and they are applicable to all officials / government workers, semi-government, autonomous and private offices / organizations of the Red Zone defined and residing outside the area.

iii) These general holidays will exclude emergency services. [10, 12]