The government has placed certain corona-hit red zones at Wari in Old Dhaka under lockdown for 21 days with effect from 6am of Saturday.
The virus hotspots in Tipu Sultan Road, Jahangir Road, the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway portion from Baldha Garden to Joy Kali Temple, Larmini Road, Hare Road, War Road, Rankin Road and Nawab Road are all under ward 41 of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Bamboo barricades were erected at the entrances of 21 roads to block movement of people and transport.
However, two entrances have been left open for having camps of the security forces. No-one is allowed to make movement in the areas without emergency reasons.
Except drug stores, all business enterprises, educational institutions, government and private offices have been shut due to the lockdown which will continue till July 25.
A general holiday has been declared in the demarcated areas. Army personnel are making rounds in the areas while police are deployed in strategic points to implement the lockdown and comply with the emergency needs of the residents.
DMP Wari Deputy Commissioner Shah Iftekhar Ahmed said, "Police patrol team is working to enforce people to stay at home. A quick response team of the police is operating in the areas.”
The police are working in coordination with Dhaka district administration, city corporation and the health directorate, he added.
Sarwar Hossain Alo, councillor of Ward no. 41, said lockdown started with full preparations and residents were asked to stay home. Food will be provided to the houses of the residents who need it while the affluent people will have to pay for getting food and other supply, he said.“More than 1,00,000 people are living in the high-risk areas. Free food will be provided to low-income households. Ambulances are kept available and arrangements for burial made in the case of deaths.”
DSCC and police set up a control room at Baldha Garden area. Volunteers are working to meet emergency needs of the lockdown hit residents.
Firoz/dipankar