Metro passengers in Dhaka are showing reluctance to follow mask guidelines despite a recent Covid-19 resurgence, prompting the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to issue fresh instructions to curb the risk of transmission.
In light of the recent identification of several new Covid-19 subvariants and a rise in infections in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued 11 health directives, including mandatory mask-wearing.
Responding to the situation, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has instructed passengers to wear masks while using the capital’s metro rail service as a preventive measure against the virus.
During visits to Motijheel, Dhaka University, and Shahbagh stations on Wednesday, Ansar personnel were seen ensuring that passengers wore masks at the station entrances.
However, inside the trains, most passengers appeared indifferent, with many removing their masks after boarding despite having them on while entering or purchasing tickets.
Several passengers spoke about their views on mask-wearing.
Hafsa Akter, an undergraduate student returning to her hostel after Eid vacation, was approached at the Dhaka University station.
Asked about her mask, she said: “I heard Covid is spreading again, but it’s very uncomfortable to wear a mask in this heat. That’s why I’ve taken it off. I’ll put it back on when I get off.”
Imam Hossain, a machine operator from a private company, was waiting for tickets at Shahbagh station.
He said: “I’m heading to Diabari in Uttara for a post-Eid outing. I left in a rush and forgot to bring my mask. I’ll buy one after getting off.”
With Eid-ul-Azha holidays ending, public movement in Dhaka is gradually increasing.
DMTCL’s Deputy General Manager (Administration) Md Zahidul Islam said mask-wearing has initially been made mandatory on metro trains, and further steps will be implemented in accordance with DGHS guidelines.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Zahidul Islam said: “In light of the current situation, DMTCL issued instructions on June 9 asking passengers to wear masks. We’ve begun enforcing this at stations.”
He added: “Today’s 11-point guideline from DGHS is under discussion, and further steps will be decided accordingly and shared with the media.”
How feasible is a 3-foot distance on the metro?
On the matter of enforcing physical distancing, Zahidul Islam said: “Even during the Eid holidays, metro ridership did not drop. Passenger numbers are expected to rise further now that the holidays are over.”
He added: “Maintaining a three-foot distance, as suggested by the DGHS, would be very difficult in practice given how crowded metro trains typically are. This needs to be discussed further before reaching a conclusion.”
He also said that the DMTCL would review each of the health directives from DGHS and act based on those evaluations.
“But the public must also play their part in remaining aware and responsible,” he added.
According to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), the highest rate of Covid-19 infection since January 2023 was recorded in May this year. Of the 1,409 samples tested that month, 9.51% were positive.
As per DGHS data, 10 people tested positive out of 107 samples in the past 24 hours. The DGHS has instructed all public hospitals to make Covid-19 testing facilities available.