“There’s a possibility of recession as the pandemic jolted the global economy. The government is preparing the budget considering this aspect,” he told reporters at the secretariat.

Besides, allocation in health sector has been increased to revamp it and two other projects worth approximately Tk 25,000 crore were approved in the last cabinet meeting, Mahmud said adding that more projects are likely to be initiated to fight against effects of Covid-19.

Responding to BNP’s criticism over withdrawing the shutdown amid the outbreak, the minister said at least 35 million people became unemployed during this period but they received relief materials to some extent.

“BNP wants the shutdown to be extended because they want to see the working class people remain in distress,” Mahmud said adding that otherwise no political party can make such comments considering the livelihood of working class people.

Bangladesh must keep the wheel of the economy running like other countries and at the same time, should follow health guidelines during work, the minister said.

Also read: Govt’s proper initiatives applauded globally: Hasan Mahmud

Coronavirus situation in Bangladesh

The government announced general holidays from March 26 and extended it to May 30 in phases and allowed limited operation of various offices and transport.

Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 and the first death on March 18 but the country has been seeing a spike in the number of deaths and new confirmed cases.

The health authorities announced detection of record 3,190 new patients in the last 24 hours, raising the total cases to 74,865. Covid-19 has claimed the lives of 1,012 people so far, including 37 people in the last 24 hours until Wednesday.

Also read: Bangladesh's Covid-19 death toll exceeds 1,000; highest 3,190 new cases recorded