Gridlock as buses back on roads

Dhaka got back its usual look on Thursday, as traditional traffic hustle and bustle returned to the mega city with resumption of public transports after days of restriction amid the Covid-19 lockdown.
It was also found that the transport operators resumed their operation following Covid-19 health safety rules and keeping half of the total seats vacant in most cases.
Despite wastage of valuable time by getting trapped in the nagging traffic congestion, the city commuters were found somewhat happy to avail low-cost public transports.
In the wake of sufferings of commuters and transport workers, the government allowed resuming operations of public transports within cities and districts from May 6.
The relaxation of lockdown rules has brought some sort of relief to commuters, transport operators and workers, vendors, traders and retailers.
All of them suffered much because of the restriction on public transports since April 14, when the government had imposed hard lockdown to contain the pandemic second wave.
"Allowing public transports is a good decision, because it has enabled us to move easily in the city. I used to spend at least Tk 100 each day to reach my office in absence of buses," said Md Nurunnabi, who was travelling to Motijheel from Rampura.
But, with the resumption of public transport services, Dhaka got back its usual traffic chaos and sound pollution, he added.
Although mass transports were relatively thin on the streets, traffic jams were seen in areas like Mogbazar, Mouchak, Kakrail, Banani, Shahbag, Karwaan Bazar and Gulistan areas.
"City buses resumed their operation from Thursday morning, but the number of buses is low. As there is a lack of passengers, owners are operating a limited number of buses," said Joint Commissioner (Traffic North) Abu Saleh Sheikh Russel.
Saidur Raahman, driver of a Sadarghat-bound bus Victor Classic, said they were allowing only 50 per cent passengers of its capacity to ensure social distancing.
"We do not allow passengers to get on board without wearing masks," he added.
When contacted, general secretary of Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association Khandaker Enayet Ullah said many transport operators are yet to resume their operations due to various factors. "That's why the number of buses is low. I think all the vehicles will be back in operation within the next few days."
About the Covid-related health guidelines, he said they instructed their association members to follow the safety rules strictly to protect themselves and passengers from viral infection.
Meanwhile, health rights activist Dr Rashid-e-Mahbob expressed his concern over frequent relaxation of the lockdown, saying that resumption of public transports with violation of health protocols could further jeopardise the country's Covid pandemic situation.
"I am really scared of the situation. Look at India, we need to be more cautious in making a balance between lives and livelihood," he opined.

jubairfe1980@gmail.com and tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com