The government has taken steps to prevent the transmission of coronavirus during the Eid journey. There will be no special train on the occasion of Eid. Special teams will be deployed at different places to ensure proper hygiene on roads and waterways.
Moreover, the government has instructed the officials and employees of government and private organizations to stay at their workplaces.
However, experts believe that this month is especially important because Eid-ul-Azha is going to be celebrated on 1, August. At this time, if people follow social distancing and hygiene rules, the situation is likely to improve further. Otherwise, infections may rise in a large number.
Earlier, advance tickets for public transport were selling at least 20-25 days before Eid. But this time the scenario is completely different. Although public transport is running on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, there is no rush of selling advance tickets.
The holiday of Eid-ul-Azha is not increasing, which is only three days. As a result, many city dwellers have planned not to leave Dhaka. However, some people will travel by private cars during Eid to avoid public gathering. Besides, due to the financial crisis caused by the Corona pandemic, a large number of people have already left Dhaka and started living in their ancestral houses. As a result, the number of homebound people is likely to be less this Eid than other years.
Obaidul Quader, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges has called upon the BRTA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority), law enforcement agencies and all concerned to work with utmost caution during Eid-ul-Azha to prevent the risk of corona infection. He also suggested all to maintain hygiene rules during Eid journey.
He made the call in a video conference from his residence at a meeting on July 20 to decide what needs to be done to ensure safe and peaceful movement of passengers on the roads and highways.
The Minister said the BRTA's mobile court would monitor the situation round the clock. Actions will be taken if any complaint is received.
He also instructed transport owners and workers to disinfect the inside and outside of the vehicle at the end of each trip. Vehicles cannot be stopped on the journey without fuel collection or emergency needs, he added.
Ramesh Chandra Ghosh, chairman of the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association, told Bangladesh Post there is less pressure of passengers this Eid than other years.
However, the number of passengers may increase at the end of this month as Eid-ul-A ha is scheduled to be held on August 1. But there will be less rush this year as many people have already left Dhaka during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he added.
Limited number of buses are plying on the roads. The situation is uncertain. So, the bus owners are reluctant to sell advance tickets on the occasion of Eid, he said.
In response to a question, Ramesh Chandra said, “We will follow the instructions of the government and ensure social distance inside the busses.”
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on Tuesday said, "Even if the passenger pressure increases during the Eid, the railways will not carry any extra passengers. The trains will run during Eid in the same way as it is running now maintaining the health rules. Special trains will not be available. If we increase the number of trains, then passengers will be encouraged to go home. So we will not do that.”
Md. Miah Jahan, Additional Director General of Bangladesh Railway (Operations) told Bangladesh Post that a total of 362 passenger trains including 102 intercity and 260 mail, commuter, and local trains in the country were in operation earlier. There are now only 34 passenger trains running to prevent the spread of the virus. The total number of seats in these trains is around 19,000. However, currently half of the passengers are being carried to ensure social distance and maintain hygiene.
There is allegations of not maintaining social distance in water vessels. There was several allegations of maintaining poor social distancing and following health guidelines during Eid-ul-Fitr in waterways.
Asked about the initiatives during the Eid-Ul-Azha, Jahangir Alam Khan, Senior Information & Public Relation Officer of shipping ministry told Bangladesh Post “The vessels will be operated in accordance with the health rules suggested by the Ministry of Health. There will be more pressure before Eid. Additional steps will be taken during this time.”