Govt imposes 10-day ban on public transports from March 26

Movement of all public transports across Bangladesh will remain suspended for 10 days from March 26 till April 4, to combat the spread of coronavirus infection, said road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday.

The shipping ministry is also going to suspend movement of all passenger vessels across the country from Tuesday afternoon for an indefinite period.

Meanwhile, railways ministry decided to close services of its all 359 local trains from Tuesday.

The decisions came a day after the government announced public holidays to check coronavirus infection spread as thousands of people were getting ready to visit their dear ones during the holidays.

Obaidul Quader, in a video message from the secretariat, said that trucks, covered vans, vehicles carrying medicine and fuels and all other goods carrying vehicles would remain outside the purview of the government decision of lockdown of public transports on roads.

The goods carrying vehicles would not be allowed to carry passengers, he added.

Shipping ministry senior public relations officer Md Jahangir Alan Khan told New Age that decision was taken to suspend movement of all passenger vessels or launches from Tuesday afternoon till further notice.

The goods laden vessels would be out of the purview, he added.

Services of all 359 passenger trains will remain close from Tuesday evening till further notice, said railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan.

Movement of around 20 freight trains would continue, he said.

The decision was taken by the prime minister’s meeting office following the prevailing situation, he said at a press conference held at the Rail Bhaban.

In the morning, the railways authorities closed services of 257 local, commuters and mail trains.

With the new decision movement of all 102 intercity trains will remain suspended from the evening.

Railways ministry secretary Md Mofazzel Hossain and Bangladesh Railway director general Md Shamsuzzaman were present at the briefing.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net