The capital city, which was supposed to wear a deserted look due to the ongoing strict lockdown, it is buzzed with movement of people and vehicles instead.
Members of the law enforcement agencies including Rab, Army and BGB are also on the streets to enforce the restrictions.
Hundreds of people were seen on the streets of different parts of the capital on Sunday. On the other hand, there were long queue of vehicles at the police check posts on major roads.
At Moghbazar circle, Majid, a daily worker who was sitting on the roadside in search of work, told this correspondent, “We are unable to stay at home. We know coronavirus is spreading at an alarming pace but we do not have any food at our home so that we had to come out. Even, we do not get any kind of food or financial assistance from anyone”.
No lockdown activities were seen in the alleys of different areas. Almost all the shops in different areas, including roadside tea stalls, have been opened. Most of the moving people did not even use masks on their faces. Masks were seen on the chick of some people.
The movement of rickshaws, private cars and freight vehicles as well as motorcycles was seen at every area of the city. In some of them, more riders including the driver were seen.
All types of public transport except rickshaws have been banned since the government imposed strict restrictions. Many are going out in private cars in case of emergency. Various types of vehicles including CNG-powered autorickshaws and buses are plying for the commuters of government and non-government organizations.
As a result, many people are in danger of not getting vehicles for urgent needs like treatment. Especially due to lack of financial means, the risk of lower class and lower middle class is higher.
Mugda, Mohakhali, Gopibagh, Ittefaq Mor, Fakirapul, Malibagh, Magbazar, Mouchak, Rampura, Kakrail, Bijaynagar, Paltan, Chankharpul, Mohammadpur, Azimpur, Lalbagh Keller Mor, Bakshibazar, New Market, Palashi, , Shukrabad, Sobahanbagh, Badda, Mirpur's Rupnagar, Pallabi, Arambagh and other areas have been visited.
The movement of people in the alleys of Mugda area was as usual. In the morning there were crowds of people shopping like in other areas. Many shops were open.
DMP’s Media and Public Relations Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Iftekhairul Islam told the Bangladesh Post, “On the 11th day of the ongoing shut down, 708 people have been arrested for disobeying government rules. Mobile court has fined Tk 5,38,680 in 184 cases while traffic department has imposed a fine of Tk 5,52,500 from 244 cases”.
