Saying that many people, including a cabinet member, an MP and many expatriate Bangladeshis have lost their lives to coronavirus, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged everyone to follow health guidelines properly to fight the pandemic.

"I would like to request the people of the country to follow the health guidelines. Life will go on...it cannot remain halted," she said in her introductory speech at a virtual meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The PM also reminded people how coronavirus is hindering the development of Bangladesh but the country is moving forward with some development projects.

"Because of coronavirus, we've lost many people, including our cabinet member and MP, and expatriate Bangladeshis," she said seeking salvation of the departed souls.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Ecnec chairperson, presided over the 24th Ecnec meeting of the outgoing fiscal year that took place this morning.