The army may be deployed to enforce the upcoming nationwide "strict lockdown" from Monday, hinted the State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain. "Police and the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) will ensure strict enforcement of the lockdown and the army may also be deployed," he told UNB. Read: Coronavirus: 2,500 Army members aiding local administration "Initially the lockdown will be imposed for seven days, which may be extended further depending on the Covid-19 situation," the minister added. Earlier on Monday,  Press Information Department Principal Information Officer Surath Kumar Sarker disclosed that the government is going to enforce a new nationwide "strict lockdown" from Monday. Read: Coronavirus: Army warns of tough action from Thursday The restrictions will remain in place for seven days, he added. Government and private offices, barring those of emergency services, will remain shut during this period. All modes of transport, except those carrying emergency goods, will also remain suspended and nobody will be allowed to go out unless there is an emergency. However, the restrictions will not apply to the media, ambulances, and vehicles used for medical purposes. The Cabinet Division will come up with details regarding the "strict lockdown" on Saturday, Surath said.

The BNP on Wednesday sent a letter to Election Commission demanding rescheduling of Chattogram City Corporation election and army deployment at polling booths.