The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has expressed concern over the recent decision of the government of lifting a ban on people's movement during a countrywide surge in coronavirus infections.
The concerns were stated in a press release signed by the chairman of the committee (NTAC) Prof Mohammad Sahidullah on Friday night.
The statement said the government was in a rush to relax the health rules. This decision might result in a further increase in infections.
The committee called for reconsideration of the government's decision.
Although the restrictions from July 23 to August 10 were not strictly followed, the Covid-19 infection rate improved due to the closure of several important venues that could hold public gatherings, the release said.
However, neither the infection nor the death rate has declined to an extent to feel relieved about it, NTAC added, saying it leaves a place for concern that the government lifted the restrictions so soon amid the current Covid situation.
"The NTCA recognises the responsibility of the government to keep livelihoods of the people and the economic activities in the country flowing and appreciates the contribution of the government. However, we are concerned that relaxing the restrictions might cause the infection rate to increase again which would leave the economy further at risk," the statement said.
Nationwide lockdown and movement restrictions began on July 1 to curb the spread of deadly Covid-19 variants. However, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the restrictions were relaxed from midnight on July 14 to 6:00am on July 23.
After Eid, a 'strict' lockdown was enforced again from July 23 to August 5 which later was extended till August 10. It was relaxed on August 11 after 19 consecutive days of restrictions.
As a result, after a long break, the movement of people and public transport increased on the roads.
