Bangladesh, Sept. 21 -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday directed the administration to take preparations in advance to face the field-level situation if the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic hits the country in winter alongside surge in cold-related diseases.

Expressing concern over the reluctance about face-mask use, she also directed all concerned to take measures for ensuring the use of masks in a larger way to protect people from Covid-19 infections.

The Prime Minister made the directives while presiding over the Cabinet meeting held virtually. The Prime Minister joined the meeting through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban, while other cabinet members were connected from Bangladesh Secretariat.

"Today a...