Crammed with people bound for Dhaka, a ferry on the way to Shimulia Ferry Terminal in Munshiganj on Saturday. As countrywide shutdown ends today, thousands are returning to the capital after celebrating Eid at their village homes amid risk of contracting Covid-19. PHOTO: OBSERVER
All government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices except the educational institutions will reopen today (Sunday) after 66 days of countrywide general holidays enforced to curb the deadly coronavirus pandemic Meanwhile, as the lockdown is being unlocked today the death figure in the last 24 hours reached the highest number of 28 and the infections rose to 1,764 during this period. All kinds of transports will also operate from today across the country. Public transport authorities were asked to ply their vehicles with only 50 percent passengers while BRTA recommended 80 per cent bus fare hike that will cause burden on the commuters. However, the railway authorities decided not to raise ticket fares, but it decided not to sell more than 50 per cent of tickets. The public transports have been asked to follow the 13-point health guidelines.
On May 28, the government announced not to extend general holidays after Saturday. According to the Cabinet Division gazette notification issued on Thursday, public transport operation on road, rail and waterways will resume on a limited scale from May 31 with strict adherence to some conditions. However, the Public Administration Ministry issued separate notifications in this regard. In the notification, the PA Ministry asked all employees except for the pregnant women, elderly and sick persons to attend office from May 31. The government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will resume their activities on a limited scale. Only limited number of officials and employees will attend the offices. According to the gazette, movement of public transport on limited scale will remain effective till June 15 following the 13-point health guidelines issued by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). It also said all passengers of public transports must have to wear face masks during travel. But, the mass transports will be allowed to carry passengers only half of their capacity. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has asked the law enforcement agencies to ensure mandatory use of face masks and social distancing. The ministry has also asked the authorities concerned to operate mobile courts in different places to ensure the uses of face masks and social distancing during the office time and travel period.
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