The people of Dhaka city and elsewhere in the country seem to be reluctant to wear facemasks and follow other health guidelines despite the surge in coronavirus deaths and infections. The deadly virus is at its peak as the daily infection rate is over 21 per cent now.
The government has announced a strict lockdown across the country from Monday to tackle the spread of coronavirus. The announcement of a strict lockdown has triggered a mad homeward rush from Dhaka and the adjacent areas.
The situation has worsened in recent days. The country experienced some 108 death due to Covid-19 on Friday. The toll is the highest in over two months.
On visiting several places of the city on Saturday it was seen that people were roaming here and there without facemask and ignoring social distancing.
In Motijheel area of the city, many people were seen buying goods from roadside stalls without maintaining any social distancing. Droves of people rushed to several banks and other offices. The main roads of the area were packed with people and vehicles. Many people were seen roaming without facemasks in Shantinagar kitchen market and the adjacent areas. When asked a pedestrian said, “I have just come out to meet someone. I forgot to wear the mask, but I have it in my pocket.”
A plenty of vehicles and a large number of people flocked in Gulistan, Khilgaon, Malibagh, Rampura and Hatirjheel areas. A long tailback was seen in city’s Gabtoli area.
Hundreds of homebound people rushed Jatrabari, Gulistan and Gabtoli areas to leave the city. They had to hire CNG-run auto-rickshaws, pick-up vans and other modes of vehicles as there is an ongoing ban on the movement of long-haul passenger buses.
Law enforcers were on alert at every entry and exit point of the capital city. They barred the vehicles except emergency services from leaving the city. Nothing could stop the exodus of the people. They went as though mad and started walking with bag and baggage
Our Munshiganj correspondent said, “Thousands of people swarmed ferries at the Shimulia terminal, ignoring health rules. Many of them were waiting for hours to get on a ferry.”
People are instructed to stay indoors during the strict lockdown. None will be allowed to roam here and there except on an emergency. All public and private organisations except emergency service providers will remain closed during the lockdown. However, the banks will remain open during the strict lockdown.
Readymade garment (RMG) factories will remain open in compliance with hygiene rules during the nationwide strict lockdown starting from Monday, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) First Vice-President Mohammad Hatem said.
