Long-distance buses are plying Dhaka-Tangail highway, violating restriction imposed by the government to curb transmission of Covid-19.

While visiting the highway, our Tangail correspondent saw long-distance buses operating in Gharinda, Kandila, Rabna, Bikromhati, Rasulpur and Elenga areas.

Traffic police have fined a number of buses on the highway for violating the government instruction, Yasir Arafat, in-charge of Elenga Highway Police Outpost, told our correspondent.

The Dhaka-Tangail highway and Bangabandhu bridge, known as the gateway to northern districts, are witnessing heavy pressure of vehicles this morning as Eid holidaymakers are leaving Dhaka by buses, private cars, rental cars and microbuses.

People travelling on pick-up van on Dhaka-Tangail highway. Photo: Star

Others are changing vehicles at multiple points and advancing towards their destinations.

The vehicles were seen carrying passengers beyond capacity.

Besides, people are also leaving Dhaka by trucks, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and motorcycles, risking their lives. 

Dhaka-Tangail highway witnesses heavy pressure of vehicles. Photo: Star

Transport workers are charging extra fare as holidaymakers are desperate to celebrate Eid with their families in villages at any cost, showing indifference to maintaining physical distancing.  

The police outpost in-charge Yasir Arafat said there is a rush of vehicles on the highway as Paturia-Daulatdia ferry services were suspended this morning as per the orders of the Shipping Ministry.  

People are seen travelling on trucks on Dhaka-Tangail highway. Photo: Star

The government suspended inter-district public transport and asked all to stay at their present locations to check the spread of Covid-19, but the move hardly stopped desperate home-goers from taking the journey.