Police arrested 343 people in Dhaka for violating lockdown restrictions on the 11th day of the 14-day nationwide lockdown on Monday.

These people were arrested as they failed to show any valid reason for coming out of their homes, said DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (media) Iftekharul Islam.

Meanwhile, mobile courts realised Tk 1,89,800 as fines from 135 people in the capital.

Besides, the Traffic Division collected Tk 8,24,500 as penalties from 366 vehicles for non-compliance of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Bangladesh has been under a fresh lockdown since July 23 last, barring people from leaving their homes except for essential reasons. 

But Dhaka witnessed the higher movement of vehicles on the 11th day of the countrywide ‘stringent lockdown’ with the reopening of garment and other export-oriented factories.

The reopening of banks after a three-day closure, including the two-day weekly holiday, also contributed to a steep rise in movement of people and private vehicles, reports a UNB correspondent.

After a reality-check at different parts of the capital, including Uttara, Mohahali, Mirpur, Kalabagan, Biijoy Srani, Badda, Farmgate, Shyamoli, Karwan Bazar and Bangla Motor, the UNB correspondent saw an increase in the number of private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws on roads.

During office hours, Dhaka almost returned to its usual chaotic look in these places with long tailbacks at times.

Reimposed at 8 am on July 23, the second round of strict lockdown will be in force till August 5, unless extended further.

The government on Friday (July 30) allowed industry owners to reopen all export-oriented factories from 1 August amid countrywide stringent lockdown.