Many people are leaving Dhaka and thronged to the inter-district bus terminals and Sadarghat launch terminal in the city, after the news of possible lockdown from Monday was published in the media today, as they think once the lockdown is imposed it would be extended.

Abul Kalam, president of bus owners' association of Mohakhali bus terminal, said the number of passengers increased a little in the afternoon and most of them were buying tickets for tomorrow.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

"We think the pressure of passengers would increase tomorrow [Sunday],'he told The Daily Star today.

Mosharref Hossain, general manager of Hanif Paribahan, said huge number of passengers started gathering at Gabtoli since noon.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

"We were asked to keep 50 percent seat vacant but we are facing tough challenges to maintain health safety guidelines due to huge pressure of the passengers," he said.

Zainal Abedin, joint director (Dhaka River Port) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, told this correspondent at 4:49pm that although they are yet to see rise of passengers but it may change later in the day.

Shahidul Alam, sub-inspector of River Police at Sadarghat outpost, told this correspondent at 6:30pm that the number of passengers has increased in the evening.