Bangladesh extends lockdown with worsening pandemic situation

DHAKA, Bangladesh  - Bangladesh on Tuesday extended the existing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to be effective until Aug. 10 as the prevailing situation across the country continued worsening.

The South Asian country has implemented a 14-day strict lockdown since July 23 amid surging coronavirus deaths and infections, Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque told the reporters following an inter-ministerial meeting on the COVID-19 situation in Dhaka. However, amid the growing demand from the factory and shops owners association, the minister said malls, businesses, and offices will be allowed to reopen on Aug. 11 with strictly maintaining health guidelines.