Police tightens security, increases check posts to stop Dhaka leavers
People from the surrounding districts of Dhaka are going back to their hometowns on foot and motorbikes
Law enforcement agencies have tightened security and increased surveillance on highways to stop people from leaving Dhaka for their village homes ahead of Eid – to curb the transmission of Covid-19.
Many people are trying to travel on freight vehicles, putting their lives at risk. Especially, people from the surrounding districts of Dhaka are going back to their hometowns on foot and motorbikes.
Law enforcers say they have increased the number of check posts on highways ahead of Eid and tightened security at the entry and exit points of the capital city of Dhaka.
Even then, some people are leaving Dhaka for their village homes using alternative routes, they added.
Meanwhile, at least 13 people were killed after a truck had overturned in Gaibandha on the Dhaka-Rangpur highway on Thursday.
"The Rangpur-bound truck full of iron rods overturned in Jundah area of Palashbari in the morning. At least 13 people including three children who were on board of the truck were crushed under the rod and died on the spot," said Abdul Quader, officer-in-charge of Gobindaganj Highway Police.
Sources said police took action against several people after they had violated the government instructions on travel restrictions.
More than 100 people and vehicles were punished on charges of violating the order of the shutdown enforced to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jahidul Islam, assistant superintendent of police of the Dhaka-Tangail highway, told The Business Standard, "Several people are trying to travel in freight vehicles risking their lives. We have raided every freight vehicle so that they cannot carry passengers."
"We have set up seven check posts on the Dhaka-Tangail highway. But a number of people are trying to leave Dhaka on foot, and renting motorbikes and private cars. Police are taking actions against them," he added.
He further said, "We have pushed back all vehicles except those engaged in emergency services. We will continue our surveillance even after the Eid."
Officials in the highway police said they have set up 82 check posts to cover all highways. There are eight cheek posts on the Dhaka-Aricha highway and five on the Dhaka-Maowa highway.
Police sources said the authorities of Paturia and Maowa Ghat have kept their services closed. However, Maowa Ghat authorities have kept one ferry in operation for emergency services.
