With a view to curbing coronavirus infections, the first day of the week-long lockdown imposed countrywide by the government was observed strictly on Thursday.
Excepting the emergency services, as part of the lockdown, all the government, semi-government, private and autonomous offices, shopping malls, business centres, markets, tourist spots, recreation centres, hotels and plying of public transports remained suspended. Accordingly, movement of mass people also remained restricted.
All roads, highways, waterways and railways remained free from traffic. There was no rush of transports and public movement was thin as well.
As per the government instructions, kitchen markets and goods- laden transports, agro materials and garments materials remained exempted from the restrictions.
Meanwhile, several hundred people were detained for violation of health rules and directives of the government. Besides, cases were also filed against about 300 vehicles in the city of Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
Alongside the police, a large number of personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Armed Police Battalion, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar remain vigilant to enforce the government decision.
A large number of mobile courts are also operating by different agencies.
The weeklong strict lockdown started at 06:00am on Thursday and will continue till 12:00am on July 7.
Public transport will remain closed on roads, and rail and waterways (including domestic flights) and all types of motorised vehicles will remain shut during the lockdown.
All shops and shopping malls or market will remain shut. All tourist centers, resorts, community centers and recreation centers will remain closed.
Public gatherings such as social ceremony (wedding, reception, birthday celebrations, picnics and parties), political and religious ceremonies will not be allowed.
Employees and vehicles of offices related to Law and order and emergency services, such as agricultural products and materials (fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and agricultural machinery), transportation of food grains and foodstuff, relief distribution, healthcare, ensuring Covid-19 vaccination, revenue collection related activities, electricity, water, gas or fuel, fire service, telephone and internet (public-private), media (print and electronic media), private security systems, postal services, banks, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals and other essential or essential goods and services can travel subject to display of identity card.
Trucks, lorries or covered vans or cargo vessels used for transporting goods will be exempt from the ban.
Ports (air, sea, naval and land) and related offices shall be excluded from the purview of it.
Industries will continue to operate their own activities following hygiene rules.
'Kacha bazaar' and daily necessities can be bought and sold in open places from 9:00am to 5:00pm in accordance with hygiene rules and the concerned trade organization or market authority and local administration will monitor the matter.
No one can go outside home in any way except for urgent needs (purchase of medicines and necessities, medical services, burial or cremation). Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the instructions.
Individuals can travel for vaccination subject to display of vaccination card.
Food shops, hotels and restaurants will be able to sell food (online or takeaway) from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
International flights will remain open and foreign passengers will be able to travel using the car by displaying their international travel tickets.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide instructions regarding prayers in the mosque following the hygiene rules.
Armed Forces will deploy the required number of troops to ensure effective patrols at the field level under the 'Army in Aid to Civil Power' provision. The district magistrate will contact the local army commander to confirm the matter.
The district magistrate will hold a coordination meeting with the concerned officers at the district level to determine the jurisdiction, method and time and patrol of Army, BGB, Police, RAB and Ansar.
The Ministry of Public Administration will ensure the appointment of the required number of executive magistrates at the field level.
The Director General of Directorate General of Health Services will empower the district administration and the police force to take legal action on his behalf.
