Outing on lame excuses

Although main roads and thoroughfares in the capital are largely free of vehicles, the crowds were noticeable in the alleyways. People in large numbers were seen out of homes in the capital and elsewhere in the country on Sunday - the 5th day of nationwide strict lockdown. 

Giving a damn to the fresh lockdown enforced to contain the deadly coronavirus, people without face masks were seen walking on footpaths and thronging different kitchen markets amid the ‘strict’ lockdown.

The capital wore almost a deserted look on April 14, 15 and 16 - the first three days of the lockdown.

But on the fourth and fifth days of the lockdown, a large number of small vehicles such as private cars, micro buses and pick-up vans were seen plying on different roads. Traffic congestion was also created in some areas of the capital due to movement of a large number of such vehicles.

While visiting some areas in the capital on Sunday, it was seen that there is no matter of maintaining hygiene rules anywhere. Everyone is moving freely wherever they wish. Most of them were seen not using mask. Nor even they maintained no social distance. The locals were chatting in the alleys group by group sitting in close distances.

Sujon, Ali, Rafi were chatting at an alley in Mirpur 60 feet area. Rafi said, “It does not feel good to be at home all the day. So, I came out to chat with friends. College is closed now. There is no pressure of studies. We will all walk together till the afternoon. I will return home during Iftar in the evening.”

Rahim Mia was selling pineapple on the street-side without wearing a face mask. He said, “What's the use of wearing a mask? If coronavirus infects, nothing can hinder it. We have to pass away when Allah wishes. There is no benefit with social distance.”

Jahidul Islam was found roaming on the street wearing a mask. But he doubts what will happen by maintaining health guidelines alone?  He said, “No one around is obeying the rules. If everyone is not aware, coronavirus will never leave the country. I am out of work. But I see more and more people on the streets. When I went to buy something, three more people came and fell on me. How it is possible to maintain the health guidelines in this situation.” 

Many police and RAB personnel were seen checking vehicles at different check-posts and city’s entry and exit points, including Gabtali and Jatrabari, Sunday noon.

They stopped every vehicle at check posts at different strategic points and asked the passengers about the reason for their movement. Many areas in the capital witnessed traffic jam as many offices were open.

A police sergeant on condition of anonymity said many people came out of their homes on lame excuses. “We have been instructed by the higher authorities to check every vehicle plying the streets,” he said.

Rickshaws are dominating the roads as the movement of people has increased remarkably. Police were seen checking movement pass of people on the streets at different points of the capital. 

Members of law enforcement agencies with body camera, which can record any untoward incident, were seen putting up check posts at different parts of the capital.

Meanwhile, pressure of vehicles was seen on Uttara-Banani-Mohakhali road where in some places police were seen controlling traffic which was absent in the last four days.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner Traffic (North) Abu Raihan MD Saleh said: “Movement of public transport remained suspended and the law enforcing agencies are continuing regular activities at check-posts. People are seen passing with movement pass. In some cases, people have been facing fines or cases while failing to show any valid reason for leaving home.”

Though shopping malls and shops on main roads remained closed, some grocery stores in residential  areas were allowed to operate for a few hours in the morning to enable people to buy their daily essentials.

The government issued a transportation ban and ordered closure of all offices, shopping malls, markets and restaurants to curb the corona infections. The lockdown will continue until Apr 21.

Meanwhile, the government is considering to extend the lockdown for another week.