Despite the government order to carry passengers at 50 percent capacity from Saturday, Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association today asked its members to operate vehicles in full capacity.
The directive was given stating that the ministry concerned has “verbally” informed that the government would allow it to operate public transport in full capacity, Khandaker Enayet Ullah, the association’s general secretary, who signed the directive, told The Daily Star.
“We came to know from BRTA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority) about the decision verbally. So we have asked our members to work accordingly,” he said.
The Cabinet Division on Monday issued a directive that all public transport would be operated in half capacity to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
BRTA yesterday held a meeting with transport leaders who urged the government to change its decision.
BRTA forwarded their proposal to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. BRTA, however, yesterday issued a circular saying that public transport has to operate in half capacity from Saturday.
When contacted today, BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder said they have sent the transport association’s proposal to the ministry, and the Cabinet Division will take the final decision in this regard.
However, ministry sources said the government is considering the transport association’s demand since operating public transport with half capacity while keeping everything open will create chaos.
“So the government is positive in this regard,” said a ministry official, seeking anonymity.
The association, in today’s directive also asked its members to not carry any standing passengers and maintain all health safety guidelines.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
