Lockdown: Increased public movement on first weekday after Eid

Public and vehicular movement has increased on Dhaka streets today -- first weekday after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

Banks, stock exchange and several emergency services have reopened amid the "strict lockdown". Many were seen going to office by rickshaws, motorbikes and private cars and many walked long distances to reach their destinations.

Photo: SK Enam Haq

Our correspondent visited Farmgate, Gabtoli, Shahbagh, Panthapath, Mohammadpur, Shyamoli, Ring Road, Adabor, and Dhanmondi areas and found that the number of pedestrians, rickshaws and private cars increased on city roads today compared to the first two days of the "Strict lockdown".

Ticket counters at Kamalapur Railway Station are closed on July 25, 20201. Photo: Prabir Das

Police, Rab, Border Guard Bangladesh and army personnel set up check-posts at different points in the city.

Through the entry points -- Gabtoli and Jatrabari -- people, mostly returning holidaymakers, were entering Dhaka.

Train services remain halted during the 14-day "strict lockdown". The photo was taken on July 25, 2021. Photo: Prabir Das

"People are giving various reasons for being out. Many mentioned medical purposes. Some said that they have emergency work. If someone fails to provide satisfactory answer, we are slapping fines," said Traffic Inspector Dulal Hossain at Gabtoli checkpoint.

Photo: SK Enam Haq

The ongoing lockdown was in effect from 6:00am on Friday -- banning operations of trains, domestic flights, river traffic, and personal vehicles. There was no restriction on freight services.