Chattogram, country's main sea port, is almost returning to its former look as 70 percent of its public transport has taken to the streets on Monday after the withdrawal of the general holiday from Monday.
Most of the shops, markets, business places, and government and private offices in the city have opened, However, many people are worried over the huge free movement of people, many of who are not following the health safety guidelines laid down by the government to avert further spread of coronavirus.
After more than two months, public transport is hounding the streets. It was observed that most of the passengers, drivers as well as their helpers wearing face masks. Some people are taking out hand sanitizers and disinfecting their hands, but worry in their eyes as many others did not care about the risk of virus infection.
Meanwhile, according to the demand of the transport owners, bus fares have been increased by 60 percent in public transport.
Belayet Hossain Belal, President of the Chattogram Metropolitan Transport Owners Group said that 70 percent of public transport has landed on the streets. Drivers and other helping staff of the remaining 30 percent of the vehicles have not returned yet after going home for Eid holidays. Hopefully, in 2-1 days all public transport will be on the streets.
He said that hygiene is being followed in the counter services. In the case of local bus services, some unaware passengers, drivers, and their assistants often are found to be ignorant about health safety rules.
The business at the Chattogram Sea Port is also increasing gradually. However, goods delivery has not yet returned to normal.
Omar Faruque, Secretary of Chottogram Port Authority said, “In normal times 5,000 containers are cleared for delivery every day. Now about three thousand containers are handled everyday.
Meanwhile, flights from Chittagong to Dhaka have started. At around 9 in the morning on Monday. US-Bangla and Novoair, both private airlines, are operating.
Wing Commander Sarwar-e-Zaman, managing director of Shah Amanat International Airport said that domestic flights have resumed, although 11 flights are scheduled to arrive today, two flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have been postponed. US-Bangla has 6 flights and Novoair has 3 flights.
He also said that all measures have been taken to ensure the health safety of the officers and employees at the airport including the passengers.
