The capital city of Dhaka wore a deserted look on Thursday as a large number of city dwellers left the metropolis to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha at their respective homes.
In the wake of risks of COVID-19 transmission in public transports, authorities seemed to have maintained their transport services well adhering to the government order.
Bus stoppages, launch ghats, and train stationswere foundcrowded with homebound people. As the trains left on time on Thursday, there were no crowds at the counterswhile tickets were sold online.
However, traffic pressure was noticed on the Dhaka-Tangail highway in the north-west. Crowds of home-goers also increased in Chandra of Gazipur.
Shovon Mahmud Khan at the Gabtali bus stoppage said, “This is completelya pleasant home journey. Because of corona I had fear of safety but the bus-company maintained it cautiously.”
Another train passenger Abdul Wahab told this correspondent over phone that, “I booked my ticket from online, it was hassle free due to digital system and there was no mismanagement like the previous year.”
On the other hand, launch is the main mode of transportation for the people of southern districts. Meanwhile, the launch workers are struggling to ensure social distance.
They said that hand sanitizers are being given in the hands of everyone who is getting on the launch. Everyone is also being told to use masks.
Passengers say they are helpless, but they are following the hygiene rules as much as possible.
Bangladesh Coast Guard has started a special patrol to ensure safety of the Eidpassengers. Coast Guard official M Hayat IbnSiddique (Lt. Commander, Coast Guard) said the special patrol would continue for one week after Eid at all river ports in the country.
"Patrols will continue, they will reach out to the scene as soon as any accident occurs, and mobile courts are being set up to prevent irregularities andabuses," he said.
During the patrol, the Coast Guard members will ensure the safety of the boatsand also the hygiene. These activities will be conducted by the mobile courts.
Earlier, Road Transport and BridgesMinister and General Secretary of Awami League ObaidulQuader has instructed all concerned to repair the roads damaged due to incessant rains to make the Eidjourney smooth and give relief to the people.