Bangladesh has set an example in the world by tackling the coronavirus outbreak through unity, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Noting that the final span of the Padma Bridge, a proud moment for her administration, was installed about a week ago, Hasina said in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday: “I greet all the citizens of Bangladesh at home and abroad sincerely and pledge to build one of the greatest nations in the world.”
She remembered those, including politicians, MPs and other distinguished citizens, who died from the COVID-19 illness that has infected 494,209 people and killed 7,129 in Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com.
She urged everyone to follow the health protocols all the time, including during Victory Day celebrations. “We were compelled to bring changes to our daily lives due to the pandemic and avoid crowds. Every life is valuable and we can’t accept a single death.”
“You must wear a mask as you head out. Also, please wash your hands frequently or use sanitiser.”
Her speech comes as Bangladesh prepares to celebrate the 49th anniversary of Victory Day on a limited scale on Wednesday.
The government has scaled down the Victory Day celebrations this year, due to the pandemic. There will be no parade by the armed forces.
A gun salute will ring out in Dhaka and elsewhere at the sunrise. President Abdul Hamid and Hasina will place wreaths at the National Monument.
Bangladesh also cut down the celebrations of the birth centenary of independence leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman this year.
