The first two days of the 10 day government holiday saw the streets of Dhaka empty of its hustle and bustle.
However, since the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) clarified the rules, people were seen getting out on the third day, Sunday (Mar 29).
On Saturday (Mar 26), DMP announced that restaurants and bakeries as well as super shops will remain open for the convenience of the people. The employees of these businesses will also be allowed out to go for work.
Restaurants have been advised to encourage their customers to go for takeaways or ensure social distance while sitting. Moreover, people have also been given the clearance to be out on the streets in case of need while maintaining health codes.
Following the directions, more people were seen on the streets of the capital.
A rickshaw puller says that many people are out and about to shop.
Rokhsana, a resident of Dhanmondi who was visiting a confectionary says, “You can’t find everything in the markets. You have to come to the confectionary for frozen items.”
A Trading Corporation of Bangladesh truck was seen at Farmgate but people maintained safe distance while shopping.
Meanwhile, the ruling Awami League’s student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League were seen distributing masks among lower income people.
Bangladesh Restaurant Owners’ Association President Ruhul Amin told Bangla Tribune that they were thinking of keeping their businesses open and were thinking of ways as most of the staff left for home.
“Those who can will remain open in limited capacity. Plus we are thinking to take steps to ensure that people maintain social distance while eating,” he said.