Mahiuddin Sohel, Sherpur
The people of the remote villages of Sherpur are not following the rules directed by the Govt to prevent infection of the corona virus. The district administration and the district police are not succeeding to restrict the people of the village even after trying night and day.
Since morning the number of few people are seen outside but as the afternoon arrive large number of people are seen attending the hats in the village.
The district administration and police conducted vigilance operations in those markets, but as soon as the administration officials return, people return back to Bazars. This has caused panic among the aware citizen of the district. They are demanding permanent deployment of Army in the area.
After the official holiday was announced from March 26 it was decided that essential goods and drugstores will remain open. As a result, Sherpur district town and upazila towns have become empty. However, residents of remote rural area s are still crowding the local bazars and market places.
To ensure home quarantine for the people coming from Dhaka to Sherpur and to maintain social distance a jeep full of army personnel coming from Ghatail are patrolling the upazilas of Sherpur everyday since March 26. But the question of how effective is only one jeep has arise among people.
Meanwhile, little campaign has yet been noticed among the small tribes of Sribardi, Jhenaigati and Nalitabari upazilas of the district. They don't know how to be aware of coronavirus.
Talking to residents of several villages including Pakuria, Kanashakhola, Rauha, Gazirk Khamar, Kusumhati in Sadar upazila of the district, it is reported that most of them have no headache about the corona virus. Many people say, we work and eat, we do not understand corona, these viruses will not come to the village, it will remain in the city.
Atiqur Rahman, a resident of Jhenaigati Upazila, said, “At any rate we could be in danger at any time in the afternoon, with people flocking to the market and at different corners. We still have to take action. For this reason, I request the army to camp here permanently.”
Delwar Hossain of Ghograkandi area of Sherpur Sadar said, “Many people are coming back from Dhaka. God knows best what will happen to us. Now, on a urgent basis, we demand to confirm the home quarantine of those people.”
Alhaj Haider Ali, Chairman of Pakuria Union, we could not prevent gathering of people in any way. For the last few days, I and the UNO sir have tried to convince the people. But in the afternoon, hundreds of people come out on the streets.
Sherpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Feroz Al Mamun said, "We have been instructed to take action where there are gathering. Army, police and the Executive Magistrate are on patrol. We are working day and night.
I am trying to convince people but people are not aware. On the other hand, the army is continuing to patrol, if necessary, the patrol might increase. He urged public, "Please stay at home, don't go out. You stay healthy aand keep the people of the country healthy.”