Bangladesh bans Iftar gatherings

Dhaka, April 24

Bangladesh banned Iftar gatherings during Ramadan to curb the spread of the infections as the country recorded the highest single-day spike of 503 positive cases, increasing the total to 4,689.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said that in order to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak, no individuals or institutions will be allowed to arrange or participate in any gathering over Iftar meals at dusk.

Meanwhile, Ramadan began with Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem largely empty of worshippers as the coronavirus crisis forced authorities to impose restrictions. In a rare occurrence in Islam’s 1,400-year history, Mecca’s Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina — the religion’s two holiest locations — will be closed to the public during the fasting period. — Agencies