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Public transport suspended until 11 April


Published : 04 Apr 2020 09:33 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 09:12 PM

As part of the government initiatives to stop the spread of coronavirus infection, it has decided to extend the ongoing suspension of public transport services across the country till April 11.

However, the vehicles used for emergency services, carrying fuel, medicine and relief materials will remain outside the purview of the restriction. The Roads Transport and Highways Division issued a press release in this regard on Saturday.

The press release also added that no passengers will be allowed on trucks or other goods carrying vehicles during the period. Bangladesh Railway has also no plans to open passenger train services till April 11.

Earlier on March 22, road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader said no public transports would run on roads from March 26 to April 4 during the public holidays.

On that same day railways, waterways and airways authorities suspended the movement of passenger trains, ferries and boats and domestic flights until further notice as thousands of people started leaving the capital fearing coronavirus infection.

The government on March 31 decided to extend the 10-day public holiday, started from March 26, in all workplaces till April 9 merging with weekly holidays on April 10 and 11 for maintaining social distance.

People can purchase essentials from bazaars, grocers, departmental stores, and pharmacies during the shutdown.
Emergency services including hospitals, medical and diagnostic centres, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and police stations, are exempted from the lockdown.

People have been asked not to step out of their houses unless absolutely necessary, such as for food, medicine, or funerals.