Running at half capacity: Bus owners won’t go by govt decision
A top transport association yesterday asked its members to operate their vehicles at full capacity, violating the government directive to carry only 50 percent passengers on public transports.
Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association gave the instruction yesterday, saying the ministry concerned has "verbally" informed them that the government would allow public transport to operate at full capacity.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Khandaker Enayet Ullah, the association's general secretary who signed the letter said, "We came to know from BRTA about the decision [to allow full-capacity operation] verbally. So, we have asked our members to work accordingly."
On Monday, the Cabinet Division issued an 11-point directive, including one that says all public transport must operate at half capacity, to curb the recent rise in Covid-19 transmission.
On Wednesday, transport leaders at a meeting with Bangladesh Road Transport Authority demanded that the government change its decision and allow them to operate at full capacity.
However, on Wednesday, BRTA reiterated that from Saturday all public transport will have to run at half capacity.
Contacted yesterday, BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder said they have forwarded the transport association's demand to the road transport and bridges ministry and the Cabinet Division will take a final decision in this regard.
Asked whether they gave the transport association any verbal confirmation, he didn't give any direct answer.
Like other working days, yesterday -- the first day of the new government restrictions coming into effect -- buses were full to the brim.
A Mirpur-Motijheel bound Bikalpa Paribahan was packed, with at least 10 passengers standing.
"How can we run at half capacity? All offices are open but the number of buses has not increased… How can we leave someone during office hours?" said Moshiur, a helper of the bus.
CURBS IGNORED ELSEWHERE
The new government-imposed restrictions on public movement and businesses were grossly ignored yesterday.
While one of the main instructions is to wear masks in all public places, including markets, malls, restaurants, offices and courts, many people were seen in places without masks and ignoring other health rules.
Vendors at Senpara Bazar, Kazipara Bazar, Shewrapara Bazar, Farmgate Bazar and Karwan Bazar were seen ignoring health guidelines as well.
Suman, a fish trader in Karwan Bazar, said it was difficult for him to breathe or talk to customers with the mask on.
"I keep it [mask] in my pocket so that I can wear it in case of a drive."
Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association, told The Daily Star that they have decided to hang banners and make loudspeaker announcements from tomorrow, urging customers and sellers to wear masks in all shops and malls.
Day labourers, especially rickshaw-pullers, were rarely seen with masks on. "It is difficult to wear one during such intense physical labour," they said.
A mobile court in Shahbagh conducted drives from 12:00pm and fined those violating the new restrictions.
Sanjib Das, executive magistrate of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told reporters that people who were not wearing masks in open places and on public transports in the area were fined Tk 50 to Tk 200.
"Today [yesterday] was the first day of the restrictions. We will also conduct mobile court drives at kitchen markets, shopping malls, shops and restaurants from tomorrow to reduce the health rules violations."
While all restaurants were directed not to allow customers without vaccine cards, many did not comply with the rule, while some customers did not even know how to acquire a card.
"It's the first day [of restrictions]. The customers may not feel comfortable if we ask for their vaccine certificate. They might not come back to my restaurant," said the manager of a restaurant in Farmgate, adding that he would put up a sticker on the restaurant door soon in this regard.
Among the restrictions, one is that no social, religious or political gathering and rally would be allowed at open places until further notice.
The restrictions were imposed at a time when local body elections are being held in many places.
Meanwhile, at least 3,359 new infections were recorded and 12 people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8:00am yesterday.
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