People crowd at ATMs, banks, kitchen markets as strict lockdown starting tomorrow
Bank officials struggled to cope with the pressure of clients and social distancing was ignored due to the extra crowd in many branches
A day before the strict lockdown starts, ATM booths, banks, kitchen markets, grocery stores in the capital witnessed a huge crowd as people were seen storing their daily essentials.
On Tuesday (13 April), people were seen in a rush to withdraw cash from different banks in the capital. The cash withdrawals were several times higher than deposits or payment of utility bills.
Bank officials struggled to cope with the pressure of clients and health rules were ignored due to the extra crowd in many branches. However, the client's temperature was measured with thermal thermometers at the time of entering the banks.
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According to bank officials, compared to other days of the week, a long line of clients has been seen at the beginning of bank transactions today. Many people want to enter the bank without following the hygiene rules. However, no one is allowed to enter without wearing masks.
"Bank transactions will be closed during the lockdown, so customers crowd the bank today. I haven't seen such a crowd in the last few months. We will serve until 3 pm today," Islami Bank Official Afzal Hossain.
The same scenario was seen in different ATM booths of Dhaka. However, more hygiene rules are being maintained at the ATM booths than at the banks. Limited customers are allowed to enter the booths at a time. Besides, disinfectants are being given to the hands and feet while entering.
Crowd at Kitchen markets and grocery stores
With the announcement of a week-long strict lockdown starting from tomorrow and the first day of the holy month Ramadan in mind, buyers have crowded the capital's various kitchen markets, grocery stores from this morning to buy daily necessities.
On Tuesday (13 April) morning, a huge crowd of buyers was seen in the capital's Karwan Bazar and New Market area. Most of the people in the markets were seen violating the hygiene rules.
According to a recent survey report by the Department of Health's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), the two most risky places for the spread of Coronavirus infection are now markets and public transport.
Most of the people in the country who have been affected by Covid-19 so far, have either gone to the market or used public transport.
A 7-day relaxed lockdown, which was extended for two more days, failed to ensure full implementation of health safety rules. Offices and factories were open, and public transport services were plying during the lockdown.
Later, the government decided to enforce a strict lockdown from Wednesday.
