People defy lockdown

Despite the ongoing lockdown in seven districts around Dhaka, people were seen entering and leaving the capital city on Friday.

They were seen moving on foot to cross police check-posts at all entry and exit points in the capital city.

Defying the restrictions, hundreds of people were using ferry services on Shimulia (Munshiganj) and Banglabazar (Madaripur) river routes, according to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

As per the lockdown rules, only goods-laden trucks and vehicles are allowed to use ferry services.

But people along with private cars were also using ferry services to reach their respective destinations.

A high official of BIWTA told the FE on Friday that a total of 14 ferries were operating on the Shimulia and Banglabazar river routes to facilitate movement of goods-laden trucks.

He said the people who came to Shimulia ghat mainly by CNG-run autorickshaws were getting on ferries to go to their respective districts mainly in southern parts of the country.

A passenger who was heading home in Madaripur, fearing imposition of a complete shutdown by the government, told the FE in the afternoon that he was going to Shimulia ghat by CNG-run autorickshaw. "I will cross the mighty river by a ferry to reach my destination."

A police official at Aminbazar check-post said they were not allowing the people to enter or leave the city except for emergency reasons.

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