NEWS DESK 

The upazila administration in Agouljhara in Barishal on Wednesday locked down around 500 families after one Ali Akbar (35) had died with coronavirus symptoms.

The lockdown was made effective at 3:00 pm on the day, one hour after the death of Akbar.

Ali Akbar, son of Sohrab Miah, was a resident of West Bagdha village of the upazila. He was a superviser at bus transport company Golden Line Paribahan.

Citing locals, Upazila Chairman Abdur Raich Serniabad said, "Ali Akbar returned home with fever 5 days ago. Later, he developed cold-related illnesses along with his fever."

"However, he kept the news of his illness a secret and roamed around in the area. When his fever increased, he bought medicine from a local pharmacy and later on Tuesday his health condition deteriorated with sever breathing problems," the upazila chairman added.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Bakhtiar Al Mamun said, "Upon hearing the description of the symptoms from his family members we are suspecting that Ali Akbar had been infected with coronavirus. We have collected samples from the body and have sent those for testing."

Upazila Nirbhahi Officer (UNO) Chowdhury Rowshan Islam said, "To prevent the spread of the virus we have instructed around 500 families of the area to stay under lockdown until further notice."

"The burial arrangements of Ali Akbar have been made in accordance to the rules for burying a coronavirus patient," added Rowshan.