Countrywide Lockdown: Weekend sees quieter day

The tenth day of the ongoing "strict lockdown" witnessed less traffic and gathering on the capital's streets, as it was a weekly holiday yesterday.

But areas surrounding kitchen markets remained crowded, and people ignored health guidelines.

Like previous days, the alleys remained as crowded as well, as many grocers, tea stalls and other shops were seen operating their businesses, keeping their shutters half-closed. people were seen smoking cigarettes, drinking tea and chitchatting in groups. Many did not wear face-mask.

Seeing police vans, shopkeepers shut their shops to avoid any action against them.

Visiting different areas including Mirpur, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shyamoli, Asad Gate and Mohammadpur, it was found that rickshaws dominated the main roads. Presence of personal vehicles was thin when compared to a weekday.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained 791 people over defying Covid-19 restrictions and health guidelines. Mobile courts fined 212 individuals Tk 1.66 lakh. DMP's traffic division fined 361 vehicles Tk 9 lakh, according to DMP's media wing.

Rapid Action Battalion conducted 191 patrols and set up 197 check-posts across the country, said a statement, adding that 36 mobile courts, accompanied by Rab, fined 145 people Tk 1.06 lakh.

Our correspondent in Chattogram reported that port city residents have been showing their reluctance to follow the restrictions.

Private cars and huge numbers of rickshaws and ride-sharing motorbikes were seen plying different streets. Public presence was thin on the main streets, but lanes of different areas had huge gatherings, violating health guidelines.

Meanwhile, ferries on Shimulia-Banglabazar route only allowed private cars, if passengers could give valid reasons, a day after Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation issued a circular -- saying transportation of all sorts of public and private vehicles, except those engaged in emergency services, is suspended.

Over 200 goods-laden trucks, ambulances and private cars were seen waiting at Shimulia ghat in Munshiganj's Louhajang upazila to cross the river, as 10 ferries out of 16 are operating on the route, reports our Munshiganj correspondent.

Md Foysal Ahmed, manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, Shimulia ghat, said most private cars are carrying Bangladeshi expatriates returning home ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. They reached Shimulia after showing travel documents at different check-posts.

The Mawa traffic inspector said passengers of microbuses and private cars at Shimulia could give valid reasons for their travel so far. They were carrying patients, migrant workers returning home, media personnel, healthcare workers, law enforcers and those related to other emergency services.

The government imposed a seven-day nationwide "strict lockdown" from July 1. Later, it was extended till July 14, aiming to curb further spreading of the coronavirus.