Life as usual in Dhaka as lockdown drags on

The third day of the latest phase of ongoing nationwide lockdown yesterday saw significant number of vehicles plying on the capital's different streets.

Rickshaws, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, motorcycles and private cars were seen on the roads while plying of public transports remained closed.

Besides, city dwellers were seen coming out of their residences without much reservation yesterday, the first day after the weekend.

Some head out for vaccination as a special mass inoculation programme started in the country on Saturday, reports UNB.

Law enforcers were seen occasionally checking vehicles on certain roads.

The capital witnessed traffic congestion in some major points while more and more shops were seen open.

Traffic Inspector Asaduzzaman (Mohakhali) said, "The number of vehicles is higher than the previous days and we're handling traffic manually in Mohakhali and Amtola areas."

Visiting different parts of the capital, including Shahbagh, Uttara, Mohakhali, Mirpur, Kalabagan, Biijoy Sarani, Badda, Farmgate, Shyamoli, Karwan Bazar and Bangla Motor, Malibagh, Mouchak, Rampura, Badda, Notun Bazar and Gulshan, correspondents of the newspaper saw Dhaka almost returning to normal, with increased number of vehicles and people.

"I wonder what will happen from Wednesday when public transport will be allowed to operate," said Arif Hossain, a resident of Malibagh.

Meanwhile, many pedestrians were seen without masks while many wore theirs on their chin.

"I took my mask off as I was wearing it for a long time," said Mohammad Anis, a resident of Sutrapur.

Like previous days, many were seen returning to the capital through the entry points of the city, including Abdullahpur, Babu Bazar bridge, Postogola bridge and Gabtoli, on foot.

The DMP mobile courts also slapped fines and detained people who failed to show valid reasons for going out.