“A decision to allow sale of 100 percent train tickets following health protocol has been taken,” ministry PRO Sharif Alam told UNB on Tuesday.
Half of the tickets will be sold at the stations and the rest will be available online, he said.
The government initially shut passenger trains to contain the spread of coronavirus. It eventually allowed trains to run on condition that they follow health guidelines and carry 50 percent passengers to ensure physical distancing.
Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 and the first death on March 18. The government declared general holiday from March 26 to contain transmission of the virus. It also shut down all local, mail and commuter train services.
A gazette notification was issued on May 29 allowing limited operation of public transport and offices. Train services resumed on May 31. The railway started selling tickets online from May 30 to avoid health risks.
Restrictions on the operation of public transports were lifted gradually. Although the operators have been ordered to strictly follow health protocols, the directive is flouted all too often.
Bangladesh has so far confirmed 341,056 coronavirus cases and 4,802 deaths.
Also read: Railway adding 24 local, commuter trains by Sept 16