Dhaka relapses to old madness

As soon as the "strict lockdown" eased for a week, Dhaka returned to its old self, with heavy traffic and bustling crowds on streets, and markets packed with shoppers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Since yesterday morning, all modes of public transport, including buses, started plying the city's busy thoroughfares at different areas including Uttara, Banani, New Market and Mohakhali.

Dhaka once again witnessed its perennial traffic congestion in most areas and intersections, particularly around market areas. The wait at traffic signals was considerably longer.

Pedestrians, personal cars, motorcycles, rickshaws and other vehicles flooded the capital's streets, making commuters spend a harrowing time on the roads.

From hawkers on a footbridge to salespeople at markets in the capital’s New Market area, people in the retail business had a field day. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN, PALASH KHAN

Palash Saha, a resident of Malibagh area, said it took more than an hour to reach his office at Farmgate from home, which normally takes 30 minutes.

Traffic Inspector Sazzad Hossain said, "We observed huge traffic pressure from the morning, as all types of vehicles started plying the roads."

Buses were asked to ply by taking half the number of passengers they normally would. However, some violated the rule, taking extra passengers during rush hours. Many people were seen without masks or wearing them under the chin.

A number of inter-district buses entering and exiting the city also contributed to traffic jams, as holidaymakers were going to their village homes.

A record rise in the number of Covid-19 cases and fatalities in recent days prompted the government to enforce a nationwide strict lockdown from July 1. It was later extended until July 14.

However, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the government issued a circular on Monday, relaxing the lockdown from July 15 to July 23. From July 23 to August 5, the "strict lockdown" will be reinstated.

Eid shoppers continued to pour into shopping centres, which struggled to ensure health-safety rules, raising concerns over the spread of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, many rushed to the transport terminals -- like Gabtoli -- and powered through the inconvenient wait to head back home to their loved ones. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN, PALASH KHAN

Sanjida Akhter, who went to New Market from Mohammadpur around 12:30pm, said she experienced heavy congestion near Science Lab area, as rickshaws and private vehicles were flocking to the market.

This correspondent found shops full of people from 10am in Dhaka's major shopping malls and markets, including New Market, Chadni Chawk, Gausia, Noor Mansion, Chandrima Super Market and Bashundhara City Shopping Mall.

At most shopping centres, maintaining health and safety rules appeared to be a big challenge, due to the heavy flow of customers.

Crowds at New Market were seen buying crockery, kitchenware and home décor items.

"Qurbani Eid is ahead. I came to buy crockery and kitchenware as the items are cheaper here," said Ayesha Khanom, who came to the market from Dhanmondi.

Clothing stores at Gausia were also packed. Several shopkeepers and buyers were seen without masks.

"It's tough to always keep the mask up and talk to customers. So, sometimes we keep it down," said Iqbal Rana, a seller at a clothing store at the first floor of New Market.

During the visit, no physical distancing was observed at most shops of Noor Mansion, due to the market's limited space.

Sellers at various shopping centres and malls expected that the number of shoppers will rise in the next one or two days, as Eid is right around the corner.