The government ministries, divisions and state-run entities have started preparing their respective action plans to cope with the possible second wave of Covid-19 pandemic in the winter.
The commerce ministry has already instructed its 13 subsidiary agencies to plan for dealing with the likely spread of the virus with more intensity in this dry season. They were asked to submit the plans by Thursday, officials said.
It has also asked all the officials to wear mask, they added.
The decision came at a recent meeting at the ministry with commerce secretary Md. Jafar Uddin in the chair as advised by the cabinet division and health services division (HSD) to prevent the second wave of the pandemic, said a high official.
Besides, a work plan will have to be taken by the IIT wing of the commerce ministry to keep stable the essential items market during the period.
The meeting also decided to adopt a detail work plan by the export wing of the ministry to expedite the country's export trade.
The agencies are Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh Competition Commission, Bangladesh Tariff Commission, Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh, National Consumer Rights Protection Department, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tea Board, Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute, Bangladesh Tea Research Institute and Business Promotion Council.
Earlier on September 22 last, an inter-ministerial meeting was held following the Prime Minister's call for taking preparations in advance to face the possible impact at the field level.
After the meeting, cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said the government will tackle the second wave without suspending the economic activities.
Rather, he said, it will strengthen the measures to implement the required health guidelines and clinical treatment arrangements.
Highlighting the need for launching massive awareness campaign to stem the spread of the pandemic, the cabinet secretary said the ministries have been requested to submit their respective work plans within seven to 10 working days.
The HSD has taken all necessary measures to prevent the possible second wave, a senior official of the division said.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
