BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir came up with the announcement at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

The decision came two days after Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases. Health experts have urged people to avoid unnecessary mass gathering to prevent the spread of the virus, first reported in China’s Wuhan.

“We’d earlier announced demonstration programme in all metropolitan cities and district towns for Wednesday demanding the release of our leader Khaleda Zia. We’re now postponing the programme to avoid the health risk of people at mass gatherings  following the spread of coronavirus,” said Fakhrul.

He wished early recovery of those contracted coronavirus and prayed to the Almighty Allah so that this disease does not outbreak here.

The BNP leader urged the party’s leaders and activists to stand by the people of the country to prevent coronavirus.

He also asked them to carry out a mass campaign to make people aware of the disease. “I urge our party leaders and activists at all levels to stand by people and poor patients with the necessary treatment advice and materials to tackle the situation.”

Earlier on Saturday, the party announced to stage countrywide demonstrations demanding the release of Khaleda who has been in jail since Feb 8, 2018 after being convicted in a corruption case. She was jailed in a separate corruption case later that year.

Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University since April 1 last year.

Two Bangladeshis, who recently returned from Italy, were tested positive for COVID-19. A third person was infected after coming in contact with one of the returnees.

The decision came two days after Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases. Health experts have urged people to avoid unnecessary mass gathering to prevent the spread of the virus.

The death toll from coronavirus climbed to 3,830 globally till Monday. It has infected 110,071 people while 62,280 patients made recovery.

BNP standing committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were, among others, present.