by Naim-Ul-Karim
DHAKA, Apr 15 (NNN-XINHUA) – Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, yesterday wore a completely deserted look, as the government enforced a strict lockdown, to help curb the spread of the second wave of COVID-19, asking people not to venture out unless they have an emergency.
The recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases prompted the government to enforce the strict lockdown that began yesterday, the first day of the Muslims’ holy fasting month of Ramadan in Bangladesh.
Amid an upswing in fresh cases, the government said, a maximum of only 20 people can attend prayers at each mosque during Ramadan, which is usually a month of festivity in the country, after the Bengali New Year.
The lockdown began in the morning of Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, which is usually celebrated amid festivities every year on Apr 14, with only a few people on Dhaka streets, amid the heavy presence of law enforcers.
The authorities urged everyone to celebrate the New Year virtually, by avoiding public gatherings, in a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Last year the usual Bengali New Year programmes were also cancelled, to avoid mass gatherings.
Local TV stations reported that, enforcement of the lockdown in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country was tight enough, shutting completely shopping malls and transport.
A few private vehicles were seen on the streets of Dhaka, which are usually clogged during the days of Ramadan. Dhaka Metropolitan Police intercepted bikers and checked their documents.
Those who were walking towards their destinations were also being stopped and questioned by law enforcers to show “movement pass.”
Only vehicles belonging to law-enforcement agencies, government officials and media were seen to run on Dhaka streets, with the addition of a few rickshaws.
Apart from domestic and international flights, river transport and railway were also suspended – only emergency services remain operational.
Bangladesh yesterday decided to allow special flights to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Singapore, to ensure that migrant workers can reach their destinations, even though international flights have been suspended.
The Cabinet, issued a circular with directives to be effective during the lockdown from 6:00 a.m. local time yesterday to midnight of Apr 21.
In line with the directives, all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will be closed, but banks will operate daily.
The new lockdown imposed, with stricter rules, demands the closure of markets and shopping malls, but allows restaurants and hotels to remain open from morning to evening, but only for takeaway or online services.
No one will be allowed to go outside except for trips for the absolute necessity, such as medicine and daily essentials, medical treatment, and burial or funeral.
According to the directives, all public transport services will be suspended, but goods-laden vehicles, production system and emergency services will not come under the purview of the lockdown.
Also offices, employees and transports, involved in law and order enforcement and emergency services, relief distribution, health service, electricity, water, gas/fuel, fire service, activities at ports, telephone and Internet, telecommunication and other services will remain out of the purview of the restriction.
Factories and industries will remain open under the authorities’ arrangement, maintaining health safety guidelines.
New cases of COVID-19 continued to rise since the middle of last month, as the country sees a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bangladesh yesterday reported 96 more deaths, the highest daily figure, bringing the death toll to 9,987.
Bangladesh reported 5,185 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 yesterday, raising its total tally to 703,170.– NNN-XINHUA
