Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam on Wednesday urged the mayors of all city corporations to stand beside people during all disasters, including Covid-19 pandemic.

He made the call while addressing an online meeting with mayors on the ministry’s role in implementing zone-based lockdown.

“We all have been elected by the people. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to ensure safety of lives and property of the common people and to mitigate their sufferings,” Minister Tajul Said.

He stressed on dividing the coronavirus-infected areas into sub-zones and said it would make virus-prevention easier.

Noting that there is no alternative to participation of locals in implementation of lockdown, the minister said a committee could be formed under the leadership of local ward councillors to manage virus prevention activities in the sub-zones.

He also suggested the mayors to seek assistance from the ministry if necessary.