Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said buses were allowed to resume operation within Dhaka and districts due to pressure from various quarters.

"Train and launch services remain suspended as the ongoing restrictions have been extended ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, public transports have been allowed to operate inside the capital and the districts due to pressure from various quarters," the minister said while addressing a virtual discussion today.

Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) organised the discussion on oxygen crisis and ways to overcome the second wave of Covid-19 outbreak.

The minister said Covid-19 transmission has increased in recent months as people attended social events and rushed to tourist spots.

"We have observed that around 25 lakh people went to tourist spots in last few months," he said.

The health minister said, "Coronavirus was under control in India too. But they did not follow health safety guidelines and held elections, social events and weddings. We have to learn from their situation."

"The border with India will remain closed until Covid-19 situation comes under control," he added.

The minister said that the number of beds for Covid-19 patients has been increased notably.

"Now the number of patients has decreased. We have capacity to treat around 12,000 patients at a time. The oxygen support capacity has also been increased. But we won't be able to tackle it if the number of patients surpasses the capacity," he said.

He also informed that the government has started the process to import oxygen generator machines as early as possible.

Speaking at the event, Md Ali Noor, secretary of the medical education division of the health ministry, said, "There is a need for increasing Covid-19 treatment facility at upazila-level hospitals. We need adequate oxygen support and doctor and nurses there. It will help us to treat patients with other diseases too."

Presided over by BPMCA President MA Mubin Khan, health officials and owners, and representatives from different medical colleges and private health sector also spoke at the event.