RAB continues fining people for flouting health guidelines

Eight people in different areas of the capital were fined today so far, for not following lockdown health guidelines, by the mobile courts of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for the second consecutive day.

The drive began at 11:30am, where people fined had to pay Tk100 to Tk300 for breaching the lockdown rules.

Mobile courts have been conducting drives in Dhaka to ensure hygiene rules, including wearing masks and maintaining social distance, in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"The main objective of operating the mobile courts is to make people abide by the lockdown rules and encourage them to stay home unless it is necessary," said Palash Kumar Basu, executive magistrate of RAB headquarters.

"People were seemed to be reluctant to follow Covid guidelines, thus we are distributing masks as a part of a public awareness campaign to combat Covid-19," he added.

According to the magistrate, people who are roaming around flouting lockdown rules are being fined Tk500 to Tk3,000 depending on the degree of infringement. However, the amount of fine will range between Tk100 to Tk300 for not maintaining social distance.

"We talk to everyone first before imposing the fine to make sure if there is any valid reason behind breaking the rules," Palash Kumar Basu said, adding, "Mobile courts are not just to collect fines, but also to create public awareness."

Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will distribute masks under the supervision of different police stations - Jatrabari Police Station, Wari Police Station, Motijheel Police Station, Badda Police Station and Turag Police Station - today.

Officer-in-Charges and Inspectors (operation and investigation) of the above-mentioned stations will be present in their respective areas during the mask distribution programme scheduled to begin after 11 am.