Although public transport movement remained suspended, thousands of people started returning to Dhaka on the 9th day of ‘strict’ lockdown on Saturday following the government’s announcement that mills and factories will reopen on Sunday (Aug 1). At the entry points of Dhaka, those who had left the capital for Eid-ul-Azha and did not return due to the closure of factories were seen entering the city on foot amid the lockdown. They were found walking into the capital through Abdullahpur Tongi Bridge, Ashulia Bridge, Aminbazar Bridge, Gabtoli, Babubazar Bridge and Postagola Bridge. Shimulia ferry terminal in Munshiganj also saw a huge crowd as people from south western districts are coming back to the capital to join their work. Also read: Breaching Lockdown: 585 arrested, Tk 8.9 lakh realised in fines However, the streets in Dhaka saw a lower   number of private vehicles as Saturday is a public holiday.  

The government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said Saturday. In a media briefing at his residence, the Awami League general secretary urged the people to properly follow health guidelines to protect themselves from Covid-19. “People must wear face masks and follow health guidelines amid a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths,” he said. Bangladesh recorded over 6,000 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day on Friday (6,830). It was the fourth time in five days that the country reported its highest daily cases as the infection rate rose to 23.28 percent. Quader said the government has already taken necessary preparation to tackle the second wave of Covid-19. “But many people are showing reluctance to maintain health rules, which may worsen the Covid-19 situation,” he warned. Also read: Bangladesh records 6,000+ cases for 2nd straight day

Dhaka, the overpopulated capital of Bangladesh, has been hit the hardest during the coronavirus pandemic as the city has more than half of the confirmed cases in the country, government data showed.

Young people have joined the government, political parties and other social organisations to extend support to thousands of low-income people, especially those living from hand to mouth, during the government holidays to curb the transmission of coronavirus.