Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) is deeply concerned about the use of red flags at the homes of people returning from different African countries to prevent the transmission of the new variant of the Coronavirus, Omicron.

According to media reports, the local administration is hoisting red flags at the homes of people returning from Africa to warn people in different areas including Brahmanbaria, Feni and Sunamganj. The decision is being taken in consultation with the local administration to prevent corona infection. In addition, steps are being taken to ensure the quarantine of the Africa returnees.

In this densely populated country, effective measures are essential to prevent corona infection and the role of local administration is undoubtedly crucial. However, hanging red flags to ensure home quarantine and to make local people aware, is not an effective initiative. Rather, it can spread hatred and animosity in the society. This threatens the security and privacy of the individual. It is also required to maintain social harmony and solidarity in these difficult times of the corona. ASK expects that the concerned authorities will not take such offensive actions against any individual. ASK also expects that isolation and home quarantine will be ensured, but without taking initiatives that destroy social harmony.

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