Shawdesh desk:

Public transports are operating in capital Dhaka and other parts of the country with full capacity flouting the government instruction to keep 50 percent seats vacant to be effective from today.

On January 10, the Cabinet Division issued 11-point directive including plying of buses and other public vehicles with half of the capacity.

The ground situation is very frustrating as the inter-city as well as highway buses are plying with full capacity in utter disregard to the government’s directive.

A report by NEWS24 television shows that highway and inter-district buses are leaving Gabtoli terminal with plenty of passengers.

The situation in other districts including Kushtia and Rangpur are identical.

Recently, the DGHS in a report termed Dhaka hotspot for corona spread followed by some other parts of the country in terms of susceptibility.

Kushtia which was one of corona vulnerable zones in the country has started to see deterioration again. Similarly, corona infection cases are increasing in Rangpur geometrically.

The counter masters of various transport companies claimed that they have been directed by their authorities and owners to sell tickets against all seats.

A good number of bus staffs and passengers are not wearing facemask and maintaining social distancing which were mandated by the cabinet division’s notice. Situation of local buses is worse with the passengers crowded beyond seat capacity.

It may be mentioned that transport owners association leaders earlier gave intimation that they will operate bus services with full capacity despite the government order.

Some bus owners tried to justify their stand on the ground that they are counting loss especially in winter which sees a decline in the flow of passenger.They said the government accepted their demand allowing their vehicles to run with full capacity.

However, district administrations tried to enforce facemask and other health regulations and law enforcers were seen on various strategic points to execute government’s directives.