Not wearing a mask can lead to jail
Three crore doses of coronavirus vaccine will be provided free in the first phase in country, said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam yesterday.
The project has been approved at a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair yesterday morning. The premier joined the meeting virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence while the cabinet members joined from the secretariat.
Later, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam briefed reporters at the Secretariat.
Citing discussions at the meeting, the secretary said the Ministry of Finance has given Tk 735.77 crore to the health ministry to purchase the coronavirus vaccine. The meeting discussed the latest developments in tackling the second wave of coronavirus and procure the vaccine.
Khandker Anwarul Islam also said that it has been instructed to impose a maximum fine for not wearing a mask. However, the amount of the fine has not been fixed yet. After monitoring the issue of fines for a week, the government may take a tough position to impose imprisonment.
The cabinet meeting also approved the draft of 999 Policy-2020 to ensure the safe life of the people.
If the maximum fine does not work, the crime of not wearing a mask can lead to jail, said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam. The Prime Minister joined the meeting virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence while the cabinet members joined from the secretariat. Later, Khandaker Anwarul Islam briefed reporters at the Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretary said, “As we have said before, from this week (against those who are not wearing masks) we will go for a little stronger action. I think positive outside Dhaka; DCs say people in the district sadar are being fairly careful. Dhaka city may still not be cautious yet, but there is a message that (if you don’t wear a mask) you will be fined, you will have to pay a fine of Tk 500. I have said maximum fine from now on, otherwise, we will give more instructions. I have asked for the maximum fine.”
“gradually we … Then will land in jail,” he said, adding: “What else to do, if they don’t listen, we can’t take risks, we have to do as much as we can, we told that.”
The cabinet secretary said, “We will see for another seven to 10 days, then give instructions – go for more severe punishment. Will be fined as much as possible and will be given strong punishment.”
