Bangladesh lockdown: People leaving Dhaka, crowds at launch, bus terminals

The Sadarghat launch terminal was crowded with homebound people. The photo was taken on 4 April, 2021

The Sadarghat launch terminal was crowded with homebound people. The photo was taken on 4 April, 2021
Dipu Malakar

Amid growing concern over Covid-19, a large number of people are leaving Dhaka as the government on Saturday announced a 7-day countrywide lockdown.

Bus and launch terminals, airports and railway stations were crowded with homebound people from yesterday afternoon.

As a result, people are suffering huge traffic congestion at almost every road in the city.

“There was a huge crowd in Sadarghat area from early morning. Different launches with passengers left from here for Chandpur, Bhola, Shureswar of Shariatpur, Naria, Dulachar and Munshiganj,” said the officer-in-charge of river police at Sadarghat, M Golam Morshed Talukder.

Ticket seller of Chandpur bound launch “Sonartori” said, “We are carrying 50 per cent of the passengers though we are facing a huge crowd.”

According to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), on Sunday, a total of 85 launches left from the Sadarghat launch terminal.

Meanwhile, huge number of passengers gathered at the Gabtoli and Mohakhali bus terminals and there was a crisis of buses as these are taking half of the passengers following health guidelines.