Noman Mosharef :
Crowd have flocked to Dhaka’s ferry terminals on the fifth day of the strict national lockdownin a desperate bid to reach the capital.
Since Tuesday morning, people were gathering at Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar ferry terminals as marine vehicles remain suspended during 14 days lockdown to control the transmission of deadly Covid-19.
Moreover, commuters and all kinds of vehicles including motorcycles, private cars and microbuses were seen crossing the Padma River via Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar ferry terminals — violating restrictions.
Those heading towards Dhaka are travelling on motorcycles, CNG-run autorickshaws and private vehicles as all public transport services are suspended. These vehicles are plying the highway avoiding police check-posts.
Dhaka-bound passenger Golam Mostafa told The New Nation that he was going to Dhaka without accepting the lockdown for surviving. If you stay at home all day, no one will provide rice or daily necessaries for eating. There is no alternative to survive.
Another passenger, Sarwar Ahmed, said “I went home on Eid holidays. There is no food in the house after two days. Even after that I was at home with difficulty. Now, if I stay at home, my family will not eat. ‘
BIWTC Shimulia Ghat Manager (Commerce) Md Faisal said seven ferries were plying on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route. These ferries have been kept active in the route for emergency vehicles.
On the other hand, at Paturia-Daulatdia ferry ghat area, the local administration was trying to control the movement of the people and the private vehicles.
Goalanda Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rafiqul Islam said checkposts have been set up at the ghat area to control passengers. Moreover, passengers and private vehicles have been unloaded from the ferry today (Tuesday) without any need. No one is being allowed to go to the ghat or to Dhaka without a logical reason.
Md Zillur Rahman, deputy general manager of BIWTC Aricha office, in this regard said that eight ferries have been kept operational for transporting vehicles involved in emergency services and goods, carrying patients and dead bodies. Taking the opportunity, some commuters and cars are also crossing the river with those.
