Many people are overjoyed as the government is going to partly lift the prolonged lockdown, aiming to maintain a balance between the life and the livelihood.

But health experts are worried that the move may worsen the coronavirus pandemic as the Delta variant has already engulfed the country. 

They said the restrictions are going to be relaxed when the country has been seeing over 200 deaths a day for the last three weeks. The caseload is also on the rise.

Also read: Govt eases lockdown from Aug 11 with some guidelines to follow

Bangladesh recorded 166 Covid deaths and 6,364 cases when the lockdown was imposed on July 23 and the country witnessed 264 deaths and 11,164 cases on the 20th day of lockdown (Tuesday) as the deadly Delta variant continues to wreak havoc.

Bangladesh was put under the “strict” lockdown on July 23 barring people from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

Scheduled to end on August 5, it was later extended up to August 10.

The government, meanwhile, allowed reopening of all export-oriented factories from 1 August amid the nationwide lockdown.

Last day of lockdown in Dhaka

Dhaka city’s roads were seen flooded with private vehicles on the last day of lockdown as the city dwellers redefined its rules.

During a visit to different parts of the city, UNB correspondents saw heavy traffic forcing traffic police to handle traffic manually.

Traffic inspector Asaduzzaman said: “As today is the last day of the strict lockdown, the movement of people and vehicles was higher than the other days. However, the law enforcement agencies are performing their duties with sincerity.”

Also read: Lockdown breaches: 198 arrested in Dhaka on the last day

The mobile courts, led by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), were seen slapping fines and arresting people who failed to show valid reasons for outing.

Besides, a number of shops were seen open in different alleys.

Post-lockdown guidelines

On August 8, the government decided to ease the ongoing nationwide lockdown allowing shops, factories and offices to be reopened from August 11.

It also issued a few guidelines to follow in different sectors and people’s movement and gatherings. 

Buses, trains and river vessels will be allowed to carry passengers in their full passenger capacities. However, in regard to road transport, local administrations (Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners) are allowed to order half of the public transport to move every day after consulting the relevant authorities and law enforcement forces.   

Shopping malls, markets and shops are allowed to keep open from 10 am to 8pm following the health guidelines while hotels, restaurants can stay open from 8am to 10 pm keeping half their seats empty.   

Besides, all the factories will remain open after August 11.

The government asked all to wear masks and follow the health rules issued by the health directorate properly.

The authorities concerned will be responsible for any negligence in maintaining the health guidelines in public transport, offices, markets, and legal action will be taken against them in the case of any violation.

Also read: Govt may impose tough lockdown if situation deteriorates: Quader

What next?

When the lockdown was in force, people hardly bothered about it and the social life is expected to stage a comeback with the end of some restrictions in sight.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said the strict lockdown has been relaxed for the sake people’s lives and livelihoods, but it may be re-imposed if the Covid situation worsens.  

He was speaking at a function marking the signing of an agreement between the Department of Roads and Highways (DRH) and a construction company at the DRH office.