Dhaka – Bangladesh has called off the major events for the celebration of its Independence and National Day on March 26 in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak which killed two people and infected 22 others in the South Asian country.

The decision was taken at a meeting between President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Bangabhaban presidential palace on Saturday.

The palace spokesman Joynal Abedin said the events were cancelled considering the public health amid the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Placing of wreaths at the National Memorial on March 26 as part of the state programmes, civic reception at Bangabhaban and distribution of Independence Day medals were the ceremonies was scrapped, he said.

The president and the prime minister reviewed the country’s situation and its preparedness in containing the spread of the virus.

newsnextbd.com/n