Syed Shemul Parvez :
In order to control coronavirus infection in Bangladesh, ‘strict restrictions’ have been imposed again for two weeks long from Friday morning as per the pre-determined plan of the government.
But people are still flocking to the capital city under strict restrictions.
Due to the lockdown, there was no presence of transports like buses or autorickshaws on the roads on Saturday. Many had to walk for hours to reach their destinations.
However, there were some private vehicles plying in different places of the city. Presence of rickshaws on the city roads was also remarkable.
There were checkposts of law enforcement at various important places inside the city and at the entrances to the capital.
But despite the strict restrictions on traffic in all parts of the country, thousands of people were seen to enter Dhaka since morning.
Vehicles heading to Dhaka were stopped at Aminbazar Bridge in Gabtali area. Returning to work after Eid holidays, people were seen walking and by rickshaws to come back to their destinations.
After entering Dhaka through Gabtali area, rickshaws were the only means of transportation for people.
Besides, there was an allegation that Rickshawpullers at the Sadarghat terminal overcharged the passengers. Though the fare from Sadarghat to Mirpur is Tk 250 to 300,but the passengers were paying Tk 800.
Authorities imposed a seven-day “strict lockdown” from July 1 as coronavirus infections increased in Bangladesh in late June. The ban was later extended for another week.
However, in view of the Eid-ul-Adha, it was announced that the restrictions would be relaxed from July 14 to July 22 to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Azha. At that time, after the Eid holidays, it was informed that strict restrictions would be imposed again from 23rd July to 5th August.
It is mentionable that some factories, including garments, would be opened in the first phase of lockdown since July 1, but State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said on July 22 that all mills factories would be closed during the upcoming strict lockdown.
