The capital has relaxed on Thursday almost all restrictions on movement and business activities in regard to coronavirus infections across the city.
All businesses and offices are now allowed to function at full swing that were previously halted due to lockdown or restricted to some extent.
Half of the total public transport were operating since the government allowed limited public transport to function from August 11, all of the public transport started operating at full capacity from Thursday.
Since Thursday morning, the presence of public transport as well as other vehicles on the road is relatively higher than in the past few days. In addition to traffic jams on several roads.
Although the public transportations were open to allow at 50 percent capacity from August 11, the restrictions were hardly followed.
Habibul Islam, bus driver of Tejgoan area told this correspondent that the number of vehicles on the roads of the capital has been high since yesterday morning.
“Passenger pressure was higher in the morning. We can now fully fill the busses due to restrictions being relaxed. There are more vehicles on the roads now,” he said.
The roads from Agargaon to Jahangir Gate were less congested compared to most roads in the capital. Most vehicles were seen moving slowly in almost all the roads due to the extra number of vehicles.
Kakrail-Gulistan experienced more traffic congestion than other places. Traffic jams were not a common sight during the lockdown throughout the last month. Dhanmondi, Tejgoan, Azimpur, Gulshan etc all roads showed similar pictures.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) had issued an emergency notification regarding 100 percent public transport on the road. The notification, signed by BRTA headquarters director (engineering) Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas, was issued on Wednesday.
The BRTA has issued the notification in light of the directives of the cabinet department considering the situation of corona infection. It said all public transport will run on the road from Thursday.
However, the decision was conditioned. The conditions state that public transport will continue realizing the previous fare (60 percent increased fare will not be applicable). Passengers of public transport, drivers, supervisors / conductors, helper-cum-cleaners and those in charge of ticket sales outlets should be required to wear masks.
Furthermore, hand sanitizer should be provided for them. At the beginning and end of the journey, the vehicle should be cleaned with disinfectants. In addition, vehicle owners need to disinfect passengers carrying handbags and luggages.
The condition further state, that other necessary matters relating to hygiene in public transport must be complied with. Otherwise, legal action will be taken against those defying.
According to the BRTA, the directive would remain in effect until further notice. Earlier, the government had directed the movement of half of the public transport. After the new guidelines, it is no longer effective.
Moreover, with the restrictions relaxed, railways have been allowed to resume activity across all stations and all routes that were previously limited. Bus and launch terminals and routes returned to regular operations from Thursday as well.
Entertainment and recreational centers have also been declared to open and allowed to function after a many days. Simultaneously, tourist attractions and spots have been allowed to begin operations. Due to this, domestic flights have started to look busy as well.
However, no decision has yet been confirmed about opening of educational institutes. Academic institutions have been closed for the longest time due to effects of the pandemic since last year.
The National Zoo in Mirpur has also decided to remain closed whereas all other entertainment entities are now open. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of the animals in the zoo that are vulnerable to the virus as well.