Road transport services, including buses and minibuses, resumed on Thursday within cities and districts after being suspended for 22 days to slow the transmission of Covid-19 in the country. In line with the government decision, inter-district bus services however will remain suspended until further notice.
Buses in the capital were seen plying at half capacity and majority of the passengers were seen wearing face masks along with bus drivers and their assistants. However mandatory hand sanitizing rule is being ignored as most buses do not carry sanitizers.
Rubel, assistant to a Bikalpo Paribahan driver, told The Business Post: “Bus owners didn’t provide us with hand sanitizers. If they do not provide sanitizers, how can we ensure passengers rubbing hands before getting on the bus?”
“Some passengers take off masks for a brief period for a breather but I insist them to keep wearing the mask. We are also in the fear of being punished by law enforcers if passengers do not wear masks,” said Rubel.
The government earlier extended the ongoing lockdown till 16 May and said inter-district bus services will remain suspended during the period. Besides, train and launch services will also remain suspended during the extended lockdown. Cabinet division on Wednesday issued a gazette notification in this regard.
