Bangladesh to lift COVID curbs for Eid despite record infections

Bangladesh imposed its strictest-ever lockdown at the start of the month to tackle surge in COVID fatalities and cases.

Bangladesh will lift its nationwide coronavirus lockdown for the country’s second-biggest religious festival, the government said on Tuesday, even as new infections soared to record levels. The cabinet said all restrictions would be eased in the country of 169 million people from Thursday, ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival which will be celebrated from July 20 to 22 this year. The removal of the curbs would “normalise economic activities” ahead of the celebrations, it added.