In pictures: Protest, violation, empty roads on first day of lockdown

Life in ever-bustling Dhaka city took a different turn on Monday, the first day of the seven-day nationwide lockdown imposed by the government that aims to curb the ongoing worrying spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths.

With all types of public transports suspended and offices and mills staying open, officegoers and factory workers struggled to find transport in the morning. Many also demonstrated in different parts of the city out of anger.

In the New Market area, shop owners and employees for a second consecutive day protested against the lockdown, demanding withdrawal of the decision to keep shopping malls, markets and shops closed.

Meanwhile, most of the city streets were nearly empty as many chose to stay home and in absence of public transport. Police took action against those travelling violating the government directives while volunteers in different city points worked to raise awareness among people.

Banks operated for two and a half hours in the morning while the Amar Ekushey Book Fair wore a deserted look since noon.

These photos were taken by Dhaka Tribune photographers Mehedi Hasan and Mahmud Hossain Opu from different areas of the capital on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Publish : 05 Apr 2021, 02:43 PMUpdate : 05 Apr 2021, 02:43 PM

Several hundred shop owners and employees stage a demonstration for the second day at Dhakau2019s Nilkhet area, protesting the governments decision to shut down all shopping malls and markets during the weeklong lockdown Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Dhakau2019s New Market wears a deserted look on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribunen

Long-route buses lay idle at Sayedabad Bus Terminal in Dhaka on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Light traffic flows through the always busy Zero Point area of Dhakau2019s Gulistan area on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

A volunteer uses a loudspeaker to raise awareness on the first day of the week-long lockdown in Dhaka on Monday Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Customers stand in a queue at a bank in Dhaka on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday. During the lockdown, banks will remain open for only 2.5 hours on weekdays Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Light traffic flows through the Mayor Mohammed Hanif Jatrabari Gulistan Flyover on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

A volunteer uses bamboo to construct a barrier at the entrance of Dhaka University campus at Nilkhet area on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mahmus Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Traffic police fines public transports on the streets of Dhaka for violating lockdown rules on the first day of the week-long lockdown on Monday Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune