Long-route buses, trains, and launches have resumed operations after a seven-week suspension due to the restrictions the government imposed to contain the spread of the Covid-19.
Inter-district public transports left capital Dhaka at half the capacity since Monday morning with low turnout of passengers.
Mohammad Masud Sarwar, manager at Kamalapur railway station, said the trains are being operated following health safety rules.
Trains resume operations amid the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions on Monday, May 24, 2021 | Courtesy: Bangla Tribune
"The compartments have been disinfected. Alongside, passengers are being provided with sanitizers," he told Bangla Tribune.
A total of 56 intercity trains and 18 local trains are scheduled to operate, Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan told the media on Sunday.
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Operators at different bus terminals in Dhaka said the vehicles are leaving the capital following the hygiene rules and carrying passengers at half the capacity in line with the government's instructions.
Long-route bus services resume amid the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions on Monday, May 24, 2021 | Courtesy: Bangla Tribune
Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Secretary General Khandaker Enayet Ullah said the long-route buses resumed their services at half the capacity since morning.
"Strict action will be taken if health safety rules are violated and additional fare, other than the government-fixed fare, is charged," he added.
Launches have also started operating from the Sadarghat river terminal in Dhaka.
As many as 15 launches have left the capital for destinations in the south and southwestern parts of the country in the morning, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Joint Director Joynal Abedin told an English daily.
A bus is seen carrying passengers at half the capacity in line with the government's instructions. The photo was taken on Monday, May 24, 2021 | Courtesy: Bangla Tribune
The government on Sunday allowed long-haul public buses, trains, and launches to operate at 50% capacity though it extended the ongoing restrictions until May 30 midnight.
This year, the government initially imposed restrictions on public movement on April 5 and extended it till May 16 in phases.
Until the new announcement, the restrictions were effective till May 23.
The suspension on long-haul services has been withdrawn amid calls by transport owners and workers.
A driver wears mask in line with the government's instructions as long-route buses resume operations on Monday, May 24, 2021 | Courtesy: Bangla Tribune
The services of public transports have remained suspended since April 5 following the government's order.
Although the government allowed intra-district bus services ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr, long-haul services remained suspended.
However, Eid holidaymakers remained apathetic about the restrictions as they rushed out of capital Dhaka ignoring health safety guidelines triggering a fear of fresh surge in Covid infections.
