Homegoers throng bus terminals

The nation lockdown is going on across the country to prevent the coronavirus infection. From April 14, the all-out lockdown will come into effect for a week. That’s why, the crowd of homebound people is increasing in the bus terminals of Dhaka.

Immediately after the announcement of the lockdown, there is a panic among the city dwellers about how long this lockdown will last. So, everyone is going to the village home in advance.

Meanwhile, long-distance buses are not running in the country due to lockdown, causing sufferings to homebound. As there is no bus, people are going home how they can.

SI Humayun who was on duty at Gabtoli said, “A large number of passengers have gathered at Gabtali bus stand since noon. Some are going by private cars. Some of them are going home on their bikes at their own risk. Those who are going in private cars are not listening even though we forbid them. They are leaving with various excuses.”

He further said, “We were told to leave 50 per cent of the seats vacant. However, under the pressure of the passengers, we are facing the challenge of following the hygiene rules.”

The same crowd was at Mohakhali bus terminal area. It was seen that the passengers were sitting with bags and bedding there. Some will go to Sylhet, some are waiting to go to different places of the country including Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur.

Abul Kalam, president of the Mohakhali Bus Terminal Bus Owners’ Association, said, “The number of passengers has increased in the afternoon. We are not leaving long distance buses as per the instructions of the government. Passengers are in a lot of sufferings.”