General holidays extended till April 9

Bangladesh government has extended the ongoing nationwide holidays till April 9 in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

"As per Prime Minister's declaration, general holidays to remain April 9. And notification of the extention will be issued today or by tomorrow," State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told Jago News on Tuesday.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning said the government has decided to extend the 10-day closure for five more days.

Earlier on March 23, the government declared a coutrywide 10-day general holiday from March 26 to April 4 closing the government and private offices excepting essential and healthcare facilities to contain the spread of the coronavirus.  

Some 51 people were infected with COVID-19 and five died in Bangladesh since the country confirmed its first coronavirus cases on March 8.