14-Day ‘Stricter Lockdown’: Sky-High Rickshaw Fare Dilemma

The 'stricter lockdown' from the first day has been quite severe. Those who went out without an urgent reason faced punishment and fines.

Many had hoped that the lockdown might not start on July 23. So many people ran home on Eid. But the government's tough decision did not live up to their expectations. So on the morning of the lockdown, there were huge crowds at various bus stands in Sadarghat and Dhaka. 

But what happened next? There were no vehicles except rickshaws and vans. Even so, the numbers are very low. Rickshaw drivers take this opportunity to increase the fare. Sadarghat to Mirpur fare is 900 taka. Again Gabtali to Bangshal 600 taka. And Sadarghat to Bashundhara two thousand taka. So many people went to their destination on foot. Until noon, there were long lines of pedestrians on both sides of the roads in Dhaka.

(Photo: Collected)

Some people tried to take rickshaws on foot but failed.

Sumon Zahid, a businessman and cultural activist, arrived at Sadarghat with his family from Patuakhali in the morning. His home is not far from Sadarghat, three or four kilometers away from Tikatuli. But he had to pay 800 taka to go home in a van with his family. Normally this rent is not more than 150 taka. 

Sumon Zahid said, "Two of my friends have also come. Their home is in Bashundhara area. They were sitting at Sadarghat. Then they got a rickshaw around 3 pm, rent for two thousand taka. My sister went to her Mohammadpur home in a rickshaw with her children. The cost was one thousand taka. ”

Lockdown, again it was Friday, so there weren't a lot of people on the streets. Vehicles without emergency services were also not seen. There are no restrictions on rickshaw movement. No one can get out of the house without urgent need. Apart from the checkposts at the entrances and important roads of the capital, the police were also conducting raids inside the alleys. So that no one could open a shop, no one could hang out. Army, BGB, police and RAB were active in the streets. There were mobile courts. A total of 55 mobile courts of different departments including district administration were working.

Dhaka District Executive Magistrate Abdul Awal said, "We are implementing the lockdown as per the instructions of the government. No exemption is being given. Those who go out without urgent need will come under the law. And we are verifying the information of those who speak of urgent need." '

He added, "Those who go out in an emergency must follow the rules of hygiene. Rickshaw drivers can drive rickshaws, but must wear masks."

(Photo: Collected)

In Bangladesh, from July 1 to July 14, the first round of severe lockdown was given this year. The lockdown resumed on Friday with a one-week break for Eid, which will continue till August 5.

Corona infection is not decreasing. Now the infection rate is 31.5 percent. 166 people died in 24 hours. So far 18 thousand 851 people have died. Corona has identified 6,364 people in 24 hours. Total identified 11 lakh 46 thousand 564. Director-General of the Department of Health on Friday. Abul Basar said. Khurshid Alam said, "I don't know yet whether I will be able to handle the situation. But the management of the government is good enough."  

Professor Khurshid Alam said the previous restrictions had not been very effective. "The restrictions of the previous two weeks have not had much effect. However, the number of infections in the border districts has decreased. The impact of the restrictions will be felt in a few days," he said.

Source: DW