The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has announced the suspension of the operation of all types of water transport services across the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, cargo water transports will remain out of this purview.

The government has imposed a nationwide lockdown on coronavirus (Covid-19) for a week from next Monday.BIWTA chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq confirmed the matter on Saturday, saying operation of all types of passenger vessels across the country would be suspended from 6am on Monday due to the lockdown. However, cargo ships will operate.

Earlier in the morning, Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said a 'lockdown' was being announced again to deal with the epidemic. He said the government had decided to lock down the country for a week from Monday due to on rising of coronavirus infections.