Syed Shemul Parvez :
The capital was almost empty on the second day of the strict lockdown. So far, police have arrested at least 309 people from the different parts of the city on charges of coming out of houses unnecessarily.
It was seen on the spot that most the roads of the capital were quite empty since the dawn as it was Friday as well as rainy day. Rickshaws and private cars were also seen less than before.
However, the members of police, army and BGB were very active at various points in the city. On the second day of the severe lockdown, the roads of Dhaka at Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Bijay Sarani, Farmgate, Shabagh, Gulistan and other parts were seen free of people and transports.
Members of the law enforcement agencies were seen spending lazy time at various checkposts as there was no traffic due to heavy rains. Besides, many people were leaving Dhaka city avoiding the attention of law enforcement.
When asked about the reasons behind departure, they said; we are returning homes due to office holidays and lockdown.
There was no public transport; many were seen leaving city by small vehicles like autorickshaws and pickup vans.
Although there were scanty number of people and vehicles on the streets, the law enforcement forces were active.
Even if there were various reasonss for coming out, people had to face accountability to the law and order forces.
They stopped private cars and motorcycles and wanted to know the reasons as to why they were out of residences.
There were about 24 army search points in the capital.
Police said that despite the government’s ban, those who were on the streets without rational causes or violated hygiene rules were brought under the law.
“It was Friday and it had been raining since the morning, that is why there were fewer vehicles on the streets,” Traffic Inspector (Mohakhali) Asaduzzaman told media. “We are letting vehicles go only after thorough enquiries at the checkposts,” he said, adding: “Cases are being filed against anyone caught stepping out of their homes without a valid reason.”
The army is also patrolling the streets of the capital, as the government tries to bring the Covid-19 situation under control.
Earlier, police detained as many as 755 people across the capital on the first day of strict lockdown on Thursday for violation of directives.
