Passengers are still crossing the Shimulia-Banglabazar ferry route ignoring the lockdown ban imposed by the government to check the spread of Coronavirus. Crowds of passengers have increased at Shimulia ghat amid fear of shutdown announcement. The rush of passenger even cannot to be stopped by setting up check posts on the road.
A large number of passengers heading to Dhaka and South Bengal were seen crossing the ferries on the route from Friday morning. Freight and emergency vehicles are crossing together.
Faisal Ahmed, Assistant Manager (Commerce) of BIWTC Shimulia Ghat, said there are currently 14 ferries operating on the Shimulia-Banglabazar route.
According to the lockdown rules, passengers are coming to the wharf even though only cargo and emergency vehicles are allowed to cross, he added.
BIWTC Supervisor Shahabuddin said, “The pressure on the ferry has increased for the passengers. Hundreds vehicles are waiting for crossing at Shimulia ghat. More than 400 vehicles crossed from Friday morning to 1pm.”
Zakir Hossain, in-charge of Mawa Traffic Police, said, “There is still check post at the entrance of Shimulia ghat. We are trying to prevent passengers from coming to the dock. Everyone is urged to follow the lockdown instructions. But the passengers are coming to the ghat in different ways.”
“Crowds of people have increased in the ghat area mainly due to the fear of announcing shutdown. Besides, many passengers are coming to Shimulia ghat by ferry from Banglabazar.”
