Travesty of a ‘strict lockdown’

A record spike in coronavirus infections and fatalities during what the government calls a ‘strict lockdown’ has failed to deter thousands of people heading back to Dhaka to save their jobs.

Lack of transportation added to the people’s sufferings, forcing many to walk for miles.

Shafiqul Alam, a readymade garment worker, said they were left in the lurch as the government allowed the reopening of export-oriented factories but did not lift restrictions on transportations.

“I came to Gabtoli from Kurigram spending Tk 2,500, five times higher than the usual fare. I was caught in the rain and could hardly eat as roadside hotels remain closed during the lockdown,” he told The Business Post.

In Dhaka, the number of vehicles and people on the streets rose significantly even during the lockdown. Many people said they came out because they don’t have food at home. Rakib Hasan, an autorickshaw driver, said, “I have to feed my family. What option do I have?”

Mohammad Iqbal, an assistant commissioner (traffic Sabujbagh) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said they took action against anyone who failed to give valid reasons for coming out.

“Commuters usually said they were going to offices, garments industries, hospitals, and other job purposes too. Many of them also said they were going to vaccination centres,” he said.

According to the government, Bangladesh’s current Covid-19 caseload now stands at 13,43,396, and fatalities at 22,411.

On July 13, the government decided to ease lockdown restrictions for eight days during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. It imposed the second round of strict lockdown from July 23 and extended it till August 10.

On July 30, the government allowed export-oriented factories to resume operation from August 1.