Bangladesh
Public Transport Covid-19: Experts recommend stoppage of public transport
Dhaka, June 25: The government has taken a strategy to isolate Dhaka to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As part of this, buses, trains and launches to and from Dhaka have been closed. However, people are still breaking rules and entering and exiting the capital. To curb this, public health experts have recommended to stop the movement of public transport all over the country.
Transport sector officials said only buses have been stopped, while other means of public transport are operational. All vehicles should be stopped along with the unnecessary movement of people. They have also recommended that checking at entraces and exit points should be intestified.
Former Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and member of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19, Professor Dr Nazrul Islam said on Thursday (June 24th) that lockdowns had been imposed in seven districts, including districts around Dhaka, as there was no alternative. Dhaka bus, train and launch services have been suspended across the country. But the movement of people from other districts to Dhaka or from Dhaka to other districts did not stop. The main purpose is not being implemented. However, some results can be obtained.
It may take time to spread the infection from the border to Dhaka. But there is a possibility of more infections in Dhaka. In fact, the procedure must be correct, otherwise the benefits will not be found. The Prime Minister gives many instructions, but they are not followed. Because, there is a lack of thought, responsibility and accountability among those who will implement.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of infections in Dhaka has increased by 114.4 percent in the last one week this year. Rangpur division is in the next position. There, the infection has increased by 87.7 percent.
According to WHO, 40 of the country's 64 districts are at high risk of infection. Although public transport, including buses from the districts under lockdown was stopped, public transport could not be stopped in most of the districts.
Abu Jamil Faisal, a member of the Public Health Advisory Committee of the Department of Health and a public health expert, told Dhaka Post, "Now we have to implement strict measurements. Inter-district bus services have been suspended, but the movement of passengers has not stopped. People from different districts are coming to Dhaka. We need to stop these."
