Schools, colleges to reopen soon: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told parliament on Thursday that measures had already been taken upon her instructions to reopen schools and colleges soon.

Teachers have received Covid vaccines and measures have been taken to inoculate school students in accordance with the WHO protocol, Hasina said.

Taking part in a discussion on an obituary reference for lawmaker Hasibur Rahman Swapan from Sirajganj 6 constituency, she called upon all to maintain the health guidelines and cleanliness in and outside of their homes to contain the spread of the coronavirus and dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion on the second day of the 14th session of the 11th parliament. The motion was later adopted unanimously.

Alongside teachers, their family members and other staff of schools have been brought under the coverage of Covid immunisation. Reassuring the people that there will be no shortage of Covid vaccines, the prime minister said, "We are bringing vaccines from anywhere by any means."

The government has booked 6 crore doses of Covid vaccines, having paid for them already, she said, while emphasising the need for wearing masks, washing hands and avoiding mass gatherings for protection from infection.

"We have seen across the globe that coronavirus infections transmitted with more strength after showing a declining trend," she said.

Everyone should clean their houses and their surroundings to make sure water does not remain stagnant where dengue mosquitoes can lay eggs. People should do their part when the government and city corporations are trying to control dengue mosquitoes, the PM said.

The premier also asked all to use mosquito nets for sleeping as a precaution against dengue.

The current parliamentary session started by adopting an obituary reference over the death of lawmaker Prof Ali Ashraf from Cumilla-7, she said, adding that the second day of the session also adopted an obituary reference on the death of MP Swapan.

Hasina recalled the contribution of Swapan to the overall development of Shahjadpur which was once a den of the outlawed Sarbohara.

Describing Swapan as a dedicated political leader, she said he had engaged himself in many social activities, including establishing schools and colleges.

"The death of Swapan is a huge loss for the residents of Shahjadpur."

Hasina prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls of the lawmakers and offered her condolences to the bereaved families.