Trial East Rajabazar lockdown begins
The capital's East Rajabazar was put under lockdown yesterday midnight on an experimental basis as part of government efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
"East Rajabazar has been placed in the red zone. For the last couple of days, we have been taking preparations to enforce the lockdown," local Ward Commissioner Faridur Rahman Khan Iran told The Daily Star earlier in the day.
He also said steps were underway to supply food to those living in the area and arrange transportation of patients. Besides, the authorities have ensured coronavirus testing sample collection booths and isolation centres for around 50,000 residents, he said.
People cannot leave East Rajabazar and no one from outside can enter it until further notice, Iran said, adding that volunteers would help those in East Rajabazar to collect essential items.
The poor and the destitute will get free food, but affluent families will have to pay for it, he added.
On Monday, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam said East Rajabazar would be put under an "experimental" lockdown as the number of Covid-19 cases increased there.
Earlier, the authorities said they would impose containment zones in some Covid-19 hotspots and place the areas under strict lockdown on a pilot basis. They said they would implement it elsewhere if the move proved to be successful.
Meanwhile, UNB reported that a control room was set up at Naznin School and College in East Rajabazar with assistance from the DNCC ward councillor and representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, A2i, E-commerce of Bangladesh (E-Cab) and others concerned.
Only one entrance and exit on Green Road beside the IBA Hostel will remain open while the movement of all kinds of vehicles will remain suspended in the area.
Yesterday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate said army members alongside the local administration and police members will work in the field to ensure the implementation of the lockdown at East Rajabazar and for this reason, army patrol has been increased in the area.
Army members will take all necessary steps to ensure the lockdown in coordination with the local administration and police force, said an ISPR press release.
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