More vehicles on Ctg streets on day 2 of lockdown
The city’s Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Jamalkhan, Kazir Deuri, and Chawkbazaar areas had significantly more traffic on the second day of the lockdown
Roads in Chattogram are not as empty as they were on the first day of the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of Covid-19.
Even though public transport remained suspended, there were more rickshaws and private cars in the city's Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Jamalkhan, Kazir Deuri, and Chawkbazaar areas. Some CNG-powered auto-rickshaws were also spotted.
Despite the strict measures taken by law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone abides by the lockdown rules and regulations on the first day, some laxity was noticed today. Curious people were also hanging out in the alleys.
However, in several other places around the city, law enforcement was actively controlling traffic and pedestrian movement. Rickshaws and CNG autorickshaws were stopped at police checkpoints in different areas.
Most of the roads in the city were barricaded and inaccessible.
However, despite police suggestions to collect a 'Movement Pass,' there were no strict restrictions regarding the pass anywhere in Chattogram.
Rajibul Islam Raju, a shop owner in the DC Hill area of the city, spoke to The Business Standard about his commute on the second day of the lockdown.
"I reached Chawkbazar from Chandgaon by rickshaw spending Tk100 in the morning. When the police stopped the rickshaw near Ali Kha Masjid area, I walked the rest of the way to the shop."
Raju reported spotting comparatively more rickshaws on the streets today (Thursday).
Around the city, pharmacies and grocery shops were open today but shopping malls are closed following the government directives.
However, as many garment factories are open amid the lockdown, workers had difficulty commuting given public transport restrictions.
With public transport closed, factory authorities were supposed to provide transportation for their workers but many factories have not done so.
As a result, garment workers had to spend more on their commute. Many even shared autorickshaws to reach their workplace in groups, increasing the risk of contracting the virus.
From Wednesday the 14th of April, the government imposed strict restrictions to contain the virus. The eight-day ban will continue until 21 April.