As no traffic policemen found on city streets in the wake of nationwide student protests, a student comes forward to voluntarily manage traffic on the main road in Tajgaon Industrial Area of the city on Tuesday. — FE photo by Asad-Uz-Zaman Panic grips Dhaka city with scanty economic activity on Wednesday in the absence of law-enforcers during the transitional period following a regime change.
Public-private offices, banks and financial institutions resumed activities on the day following the withdrawal of the curfew, but limited people joined the offices and left earlier than usual.
Also, traffic remained much lower than usual, causing sufferings to commuters who looked to accomplish some work following a student-mass uprising in the country.
However, activists of different political parties were seen rejoicing over the downfall of Sheikh Hasina.
Spot visits to some neighbourhoods in the city, including Farmgate, Karwanbazar, Panthapath, Shahbagh and Paltan, found many shops, eateries, ATM booths and other facilities closed.
Mujahidul Islam, a Tejturibazar resident, said he visited many spots in his neighbourhood to withdraw some cash from an ATM booth.
"I tried at least 10 ATM booths of different banks but saw they were either out of cash or shut," he added.
"Even my bank's branch denied a cash-withdrawal request using a cheque," Mr Islam said, adding that they suggested visiting the designated branch of the bank where the account was opened.
"The situation is far off usual as many people are still panicked due to vandalism elsewhere."
Offices opened but low attendance was marked.
Sources said few officials joined their secretariat offices but rushed out due to a eerie situation regarding a rumour that the nearby Dhaka South City office was torched.
Seeking anonymity, a joint secretary told the media that there was hardly any security on the day in the absence of the police.
"There are lower than required army personnel to ensure security here," he said, adding that there was also confusion among officials as many unexpected changes were suspected to occur.
The FE also revealed debris like burnt-out cars, shattered building materials, glasses, bricks and charred remains along streets and footpaths, with marked absence of law-enforcers.
Against this backdrop, students and activists took the job of controlling traffic. They were seen active in Banglamotor, Shahbagh and Paltan area on Tuesday noon.
In no way did they allow any vehicles, including rickshaw and motorcycle, to take the wrong way, although there was inadequate public transport.
Rickshaw-pullers had sort of free pass to move everywhere, including the roads that are usually off-limits to them.
"We are not getting adequate passengers so we can earn enough to bear bare necessities since many still fear to tread freely," said rickshaw-puller Monju Mia.
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