Due to the increase in the prevalence of coronavirus, Dhaka has been isolated from the rest of the country. Strict lockdown has been going on in seven districts around the capital since Tuesday (June 22). It will continue till midnight on June 30. This step of the government is to keep the capital isolated from the rest of the country. As a result of the lockdown, public transport in Dhaka and surrounding districts is closed. Flow of people could be stopped despite suspension of public transport.
Entering Dhaka and coming and going from Dhaka to different parts of the country are going on as usual. Going to be broken-down is the only difference. However, the cost of travel has increased several times compared to the past, with the suffering.
This picture was seen on Thursday (June 24) while visiting the Gabtoli bus terminal in the capital.
Although no bus has left the Gabtoli bus terminal, microbuses, private cars and motorbikes are running with passengers. The rent is several times higher. From Gabtali to Paturia ferry on a motorcycle, the fare per person is Taka 1 thousand to 1200. However, if two people go on a motorcycle, it costs Taka 600 to 700 per person. It costs Taka 500 in a private car. The truck is also carrying passengers.
Although there is no bus from Gabtali, there is a bus only after crossing Amin Bazar Bridge. Rows of buses are picking up passengers. It can be seen on the ground that people are crossing the bridge on foot from Gabtoli bus terminal and getting on the bus.
One Kamrul Islam will go to his village home Pabna from Gulistan. He had crossed the bridge from Gabtali on foot. Kamrul Islam told Barta24.com, what will happen if the car is stopped? People are just going. It's hard to go and the rent is high. Moreover, there is no problem.
He said he would take a bus from Amin Bazar to Barbari in Manikganj. From there he will change cars towards Pabna.
On June 21, the government announced lockdowns in seven districts, including four in the Dhaka surrounding area, to deal with the corona situation. All kinds of activities and movements except emergency services were banned in the districts for the next nine days. Since the announcement of the lockdown in these seven districts, long-distance buses and all types of passenger carrying marine vehicles have stopped plying with Dhaka across the country. However, public transport and shopping malls are open in the capital following strict hygiene rules.