Police considering ‘movement pass’ to curb number of people going out

Police are considering "movement pass" for those who need to go out for valid reasons -- to curb the number of people going out and thus lower the possibility of Covid-19 transmission.

"A web-based application is being developed for this service using which people can register online for the pass and with it they would be able to move freely outside for any valid, necessary reason," Assistant Inspector General (media) Sohel Rana of Police Headquarters said in a video message today.

The movement permit is still on trial. If the service is deemed effective in curbing unnecessary movement and gathering of people, and lowering possibility of Covid-19 transmission, then it may be launched soon, AIG Sohel Rana said.

The pass will be mainly for the movement of people who go outside for daily necessities and for providing emergency services across the country, police said.

All aspects about the service will be decided after successful trial run, police also said.

According to Police Headquarters sources, anyone requiring to go out for any valid reason will need to apply online for two separate passes, one for the commute from home and the other for returning home.

They would have to fill up the online form, which will be made available at Bangladesh Police website, with necessary information about the user including photo and identification document -- NID, driving license, passport, birth certificate or student ID, locations and time of movement, and reason for it, according to the sources.

Once the information is approved by concerned police officials, the user may be issued the permits, they also said.

The valid reasons for commute include shopping for groceries and kitchen market items, medical reasons, agricultural activities, goods transport, relief activities, retail and wholesale purchases, funeral of deceased, business purposes, among others, the sources added.