Bangladesh
Lockdown Shimulia witnesses large crowds as people head home ahead of lockdown
Dhaka, April 12: Shimulia Ghat in Munshiganj is still under pressure from the homebound people heading for South Bengal due to the all-out lockdown. People have been arriving in the Shimulia Ghat area in small and big vehicles from different places including the capital Dhaka since Monday morning. Most of the vehicles coming to the wharf are private small cars.
Launches and speedboats on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route of the Padma River have been closed due to the closure of public transport. As a result, passengers are crossing the river by ferry. However, in addition to some sporadic speedboats, many passengers are crossing the Padma in trawlers at the risk of their lives.
Meanwhile, more than 500 private and more than 200 cargo vehicles are stationed in the ghat area. According to the BIWTC Shimulia Ghat Authority, there are currently 14 ferries plying the route for the passage of these passengers and vehicles. However, under the pressure of too many people, the ferry authorities are struggling to cross the route.
It can be seen on the ground, the slope of passengers and vehicles across the ghat. As soon as the ferry platoon is crowded, the passengers are getting up in a hurry. People are running to the village with all the household items. However, the passengers on the ferry and at Shimlia Ghat are at the same time indifferent in terms of hygiene. Passengers said that they are returning home after the 14th general lockdown.
Md. Monir Hossain, a passenger, said he drove an autorickshaw in Jurain Postagola area of Dhaka. All will be closed in lockdown. So with his wife and 3 sons and daughters, he is leaving for his home country Shariatpur for once. They cannot afford to live in Dhaka due to repeated lockdowns.
A passenger going to Barisal said, I used to work in a turmeric factory in Dhaka. There is no work in Corona. So going to the country. I will come again if the situation is good.
Another female passenger said, the government will no longer feed us with lockdown. I want to go to the country and live in the house of my relatives for some time instead of dying without eating.
Passengers are returning home after hearing about the lockdown. The ferry is not going to take more cars under the pressure of passengers.
Prafulla Chauhan, assistant manager of BIWTC's Shimulia Ghat, said dozens of people were under pressure. Passengers on the ferry are under more pressure as launches and speedboats are closed. At present 14 ferries are running.
