Staff Reporter :
As Eid holidays are over, now thousands of holidaymakers from south-western districts overcrowded the ferry terminals in a bid to return to Dhaka to join their workplaces.
They are flocking to Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar ferry ghats to cross the river and reach the capital as offices reopened on Sunday following a three-day vacation.
The returnees seemed hardly concerned about maintaining hygiene rules although there is an alarming Covid surge in neighbouring India and Nepal.
The detection of a deadlier Indian variant of virus in Bangladesh has also raised serious concerns here in recent days.
The holidaymakers are claiming microbus, cars and auto-rickshaws are charging extra fares from passengers as public transport services remained suspended as part of the government restrictions to stem the transmission of coronavirus.
Komol Mandul, who came from Bagerhat, said he had paid Tk 600 to travel to Banglabazar from his district by microbus. He says he usually pays only Tk 300.
“It cost me Tk 800 to get to Banglabazar,” said Fatema Rahman, who came from Barishal. “I couldn’t stay away. The office has reopened.”
Fifteen ferries are currently operating on the river route, according to BIWTC Assistant Manager Bhujan Kumar Saha, who is stationed in Kathalbari.
“The rush of passengers began early this morning. They are crossing on the ferries. We tried to prioritise trucks and ambulances. Law enforcers are trying to manage the situation at the port.”
AGM of Bangladesh Inland water transport Authority (BIWTA) Shafiqul Islam said ferry services are in operation to carry vehicles providing emergency services even though public transport services have been suspended.
“People are now returning to Dhaka and adjacent districts through the overcrowded ferries without maintaining social distancing or wearing masks, raising the risks of virus transmission,” he said.
Although 18 ferries are operating, those are not enough to cater to the need for huge passengers. “So, overcrowding is unavoidable.”
Thousands of people from 21 south-western districts started returning to the capital in overcrowded ferries, worrying little about the possibility of virus transmissions.
According to the ferry terminal authorities, 15 ferries, out of 16, are there in operation now as one is out of order.
Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Sunday requested the holidaymakers to return capital after 14 days as the public health experts warned massive transmission of deadly coronavirus will make worse situation in the country.
“The government had advised all not to travel this Eid. But as we have seen, a large number of people ignored this advice and went home in various ways. We saw some tragic scenes there also,” said DGHS spokesperson Nazmul Islam during a virtual briefing yesterday afternoon.
“Those who have gone home and their workplaces haven’t opened yet, there is no harm in returning late, and they should return to Dhaka at least after 7 to 14 days,” he said.
“Those who have Covid-19 symptoms must undergo RT-PCR examination at the nearest health complex or district Sadar hospitals. Hygiene rules must be followed when returning. We have seen some of those coming from India breaking the law and fleeing. They should not do this. Don’t put lives of others at risk,” said the DGHS official.
On Wednesday, five people died in stampede and heat strokes at Banglabazar ferry terminal amid a mad rush of homebound people ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.
Amid surge in infections, the government is going to extend the ongoing lockdown for another week until May 23.
