Empty roads mark day 1 of Chapainawabganj lockdown

On the first day of the weeklong lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, no people were seen on the streets and the busiest areas of the town were almost deserted.

Very few rickshaws and auto-rickshaws were spotted in Old Market area, Boro Indira intersection, VC Market area, New Market area, and Bishwa road. Not many people were seen in the kitchen market area either, said our correspondent.

Deputy Commissioner Manjurul Hafeez announced a seven-day lockdown yesterday due to the recent surge in Covid-19 infections in the district.

Raunak Ara, a teacher of a private school in the city, said the situation was deteriorating. Such situation could have been avoided if health guidelines were maintained properly; hopefully situation will get better after this lockdown, she said.

Ayub Ali, a fish trader of New Market said, business is down as no buyers are coming to the market.

However, even if the lockdown is causing temporary losses, we should all accept the situation to prevent further Covid-19 surge, he added.

Dr Zahid Nazrul Chowdhury, civil surgeon in Chapainawabganj, said, "Hopefully, after the lockdown, coronavirus infection rate will be reduced."

Superintendent of Police Abdur Rakib said that police are trying their best to make the lockdown a success.

Checkposts have been set up at various areas across the district, he added.