Huge crowd on Shimulia-Bangla Bazar route

Dhaka-bound people throng the Shimulia-Bangla Bazar route ignoring the strict restrictions announced by the government to prevent coronavirus infection.

On Wednesday (July 28) morning, it was seen that people were crossing the Padma river from Shimulia Ghat ignoring the hygiene rules.

Faisal, Shimulia Ghat Manager (Commerce) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), confirmed the matter.

It was seen that passengers on small vehicles, battery-run auto-rickshaws, private cars and motorbikes were rushing towards workplace Dhaka. Many people came to Shimulia Ghat by ferry from Bangla Bazar Ghat. However, they reached Bangla Bazar by various vehicles including motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, three-wheelers on the highway. In this case, they had to face the obstacles of the police on the way. Few cars were seen waiting in the parking yards of Shimulia Ghat. Freight transport under the emergency service, ambulances are actually being sent by ferries.

Faisal said currently there are not many vehicles to cross the ghat. 8 out of 17 ferries are plying on Shimulia-Bangla Bazar route. There is much pressure on the ferries coming from Bangla Bazar at Shimulia Ghat. Launches and speedboats completely remain closed.

Louhjong police officer in charge (OC) Alamgir Hossain said police checkposts have been set up at Malironk Mor, Khanbari Mor of Dhaka-Mawa Expressway and Shimulia Mor in Louhjong upazila as per the government’s instructions to prevent coronavirus. All the vehicles are being released under the emergency services. Besides, all other vehicles are being returned.