Different organizations have taken various initiatives in the capital at a time of the current global crisis caused by the fast transmission of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), now a pandemic. Apart from government and private-organizations, some individuals have extended their helping hands to distribute food among the distressed people.
Moreover, the ruling party Awami League, Janiya Party, Army, Police, City Corporations, different student organizations and local organizations were seen distributing masks and food items among the poor people throughout the day. Besides, they used loud speakers at different areas in the city to advise people to remain at home and raising public awareness about coronavirus. Meanwhile, on the fifth day of on-going shutdown of public transport, the entire city was calm and quiet and free from traffic congestion as well as pollution. However, some people were seen using personal cars and motorcycle in terms of emergency need.
A limited number of grocery shops, kitchen markets and pharmacy were found to be open.
Public awareness;
To raise public awareness, ruling party Awami League used loud speakers at different areas in the capital including Mouchak, Malibagh, Magbazar and Tejgaon areas from Sunday. They advised people on how to properly wash hands, at least for 20 seconds with soap, not to leave home without need, staying home for 14 days in case of coming from abroad, using safety equipment and others.
Auto-rickshaws were found mounted with loudspeakers (Mike) throughout the day announcing the government advices. Ashiqul Khaled, a spokesman said, “Leaders from the party has said to promote and announce these. It will make people more aware. We will prevent coronavirus if we work together.”
Army and Police to serve the people;
Army and police officials were seen paroling around the capital to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Their vehicles enclosed with banners on public safety. They were seen requesting people on the streets to return home. If found gathering the security officials are advocating on the safety issues.
Besides, they also distributed hand sanitizers and hexisol among the people on the streets in some areas. TCB sells products without maintaining safe distance;
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) operating on vehicles was found selling various essential food products around the capital allegedly without maintaining safe distance. TCB trucks were seen selling essential items at different areas in the capital, including Mouchak, Kamalapur, Motijheel, Press Club, Mirpur and Mugda.
According to TCB, they have 50 trucks in Dhaka and 300 trucks outside Dhaka. They are selling sugar at Tk 50 per kg, lentils at Tk 50 per kg, soyabean oil at Tk 80 per liter and onion at Tk 35 per kg. Asked, TCB spokesman Humayun Kabir said, “We have requested to draw circles to form queues which will be three feet away from each so that people could not gather and collect the product without any harm. Local administration is helping in this regard.”
TCB distributes free masks in Dhaka;
TCB spokesman Humayun Kabir said, “The Commerce Ministry has given one lakh masks. We distributed three thousand today. Mask distribution will start outside Dhaka after a day or two.”
City Corporations’ initiative:
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) distributed various food items among 400 distressed families at Tolerbagh area in the capital. Atiqul Islam, the newly elected mayor of the DNCC, started the distribution of food items. DNCC officials including Jamal Mostafa, acting mayor, were present.
“For every family, we have given 5 kgs of rice, 1 kg of pulses, 1 kg of onion, 2 kgs of potatoes and 1 liter of oil,” said Jamal Mostafa,” he said. Atiqul Islam said, “We have taken initiative to distribute such food items in all of our 54 wards. However, a coronavirus infected person was identified at the Tolarbagh area. So, this area is under lockdown. Therefore, we have started this program by giving special importance to it.”