No strict lockdown after April 28: Farhad Hossain

State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain on Friday said that the government would not enforce any strict lockdown in the country at the end of the ongoing lockdown on April 28.

"Restrictions on movement will be relaxed gradually. But 'no mask, no service' will be ensured everywhere strictly. We will ensure that people from lower to higher tier are using the mask," the state minister told newsmen.

The country has been undergoing lockdown in phases since 5 April. The government issued a set of lockdown restrictions. Markets and shopping malls, and public transports were closed to curb the spread of the virus during the lockdown. However, online sales were allowed only after maintaining hygiene rules.

On Friday the government decided to reopen all shopping malls, shops and markets across the country from 25 April.

In a gazette notification, the cabinet division said the decision has been taken considering the livelihood of people.

The shops at the malls will remain open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Legal action will be taken if hygiene rules are not maintained properly.

Meanwhile, bus owners are pressing a demand for opening the public transport from April 29 after the government decision of reopening the markets.

The country has enforced weeklong strict lockdown since 14 April, as the fresh wave of Covid-19 infection hit the country in recent weeks. The lockdown will end on 28 April.