Containing Covid-19: Police beef up security at Dhaka’s entry points

With an aim to prevent spread of coronavirus, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has strengthened security at check-posts at the capital's entry points so that no one can enter or leave the city without urgent need.

"We have already installed check-posts at 10 entry and exit points of Dhaka as per government directives. The check-posts remain effective until the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr," Mir Rezaul Alam, additional commissioner of DMP, told The Daily Star today.

Rezaul Alam said they will limit the movement of motorbikes, CNG-run auto-rickshaw and human haulier so that no one can go for long-distance journey.

"We have taken the steps so that no one can spread the virus to other districts or their home villages during Eid," Rezaul Alam explained.

If anyone is found traveling long distance without a proper reason, necessary legal action will be taken against them, said the official.

Asked about the timeline, the additional commissioner said their primary decision is to continue the check-post activities till Eid and they would take further decision depending on the situation and government directives later.

DMP officials, however, said vehicles engaged in emergency services and carrying goods will be exempt from this restriction.

DMP also seeks full cooperation from the city dwellers in this regard.

On May 14, cabinet division, in a circular, stated that movement of people will be restricted from May 17 to May 28 and local administrations along with law enforcers will control the movement so that people cannot move from one district to another or one upazila to another.