Passengers suffer as public transport made off-limits in Bagerhat

General people, especially the working class, have been suffering immensely due to the absence of public transport during lockdown as bus owners began implementing the government directives to keep the services off limits.

With most of the offices, companies and factories operating in full swing, people were seen trying to reach their destination by paying extra fare on alternative transport in Bagerhat during the countrywide seven-day lockdown. Some of them were seen going to their destination on foot.

Visiting the bus terminal in the district, it was seen that the buses were queued up and no buses either came in or leave the terminal.

Najibul of Kachua upazila said, "My sister is admitted at Khulna Medical College and Hospital. I could reach the bus terminal with great difficulty. But there is no transportation; I have tried to stop trucks and pickups but couldn't get on board. How can I go now?"

Rahaman Gazi, an old man who was going to Morrelganj on a motorbike from Bagerhat, said, "Usually, I go to Morrelganj by motorbike from Bagerhat at Tk 200 to Tk 250. But today (Monday) the riders are demanding double the usual fare due to the lockdown. I have hired the motorbike at Tk 500."

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner ANM Faizul Haque said, "We are working to implement the government's directive on lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection. We will take a decision very soon so that the poor and unemployed people do not suffer."

However, he urged all people to comply with the health rules strictly.