In a bid to curb the possible second wave of Covid-19, Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity yesterday banned customers without masks from all markets, shops and malls.

The announcement came into effect from yesterday and would remain valid till February next year.

At a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club, Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, said, “Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity announcing ban on entrance of customers without wearing masks at all shops, markets and malls from November 1 till February 29.”

He promised to put up placards in front of markets and ask guards not to allow anyone inside malls without masks.

However, in many places, many customers were seen purchasing items in different markets without wearing masks.

Asked, one such customer of Dhaka New Market named Amina Khatun said she was not aware of the announcement.

Iman Ali, a sales staff of Madina Trading at the New Market, said they could not force customers to wear masks.

“It might create unpleasant situation,” he added.

Same was seen while different markets in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.

Several customers welcomed the Dokan Malik Samity’s initiative saying this would create conscious among people to wear masks.

Some people, however, questioned who would implement the decision and who would monitor this?

On October 25, the government asked public and private organisations not to provide services to people without a face covering as it aims to curb a possible second wave of Covid-19.

A “no mask, no service” policy will be implemented and all organisations will be monitored because the government made masks mandatory in all institutions, markets, schools, social and religious gatherings.

The directives came during a virtual cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/no-mask-no-sale-1987737