Waterways feel the rush
Amid growing concerns over the spread of coronavirus, thousands have started returning to their homes in Barishal region via waterways.
Passengers said they were leaving Dhaka, as the city has become "unsafe". Besides, the authorities were limiting activities at workplaces, they said.
Barishal Deputy Commissioner SM Ajior Rahman said any restriction is yet to be imposed on waterways vessels as well as road transport, but there is an advisory not to carry overseas returnees and those who are ill.
During a visit to Barisal River Port yesterday morning, six launches were found coming from Dhaka. Their authorities said some 12,000-15,000 passengers were aboard the vessels. None of the launches -- except MV Manami that plies on Dhaka-Barishal route – examined passengers before boarding. Manami supervisor Sahadat Hossain said they were allowing passengers to board only after going through a thermal scanner.
"If anything is found unusual, we discourage them to travel," he said.
SM Zakir Hossain, supervisor of MV Sundarban, said they are trying to make passengers aware of the situation.
Ajmol Huda Mithu, joint director of BIWTA, said more than one lakh people have been leaving Dhaka every day for the country's southern region via 38 routes for the last one week. The turnout was almost twice of the usual number, said the official.
Monir Hossain, a fruit trader from Dhaka's Shyambazar, said he went home with four family members, as his children's educational institution was closed.
Dr Basudeb Das, divisional director of DGHS in Barishal, said they called upon people to avoid mass gatherings and crowds.
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