M Sayem Ahmad: People travel from one place to another in the pursuit of life. Some travel by water and some by land. Most people use public transport to travel on this land route. Again, many people use their own transport. Corona outbreaks are now on the rise around the world. The number of infected and the number of deaths are increasing every day. Our country was not spared from this outbreak. The government has taken various steps to protect itself from this outbreak, thinking only of the people of the country.

An 18-point notification has been issued by the Prime Minister`s Office due to the increase in corona infection. There are a few notable points. All types of public gatherings should be closed or limited. Such public, political, religious or other public gatherings should be limited. Attendance at social events such as weddings and birthdays should be discouraged. But the main thing is how much is being implemented.

Because there are still a lot of people gathering in different places. The gathering of people from all walks of life, starting from markets and shopping malls, is incomparable. The number of people gathering at wedding ceremonies is also increasing. Not only that, the government has asked to follow the health rules to avoid the outbreak of corona. But the public gathering of different students and parents of the country to take part in the medical admission test is eye-catching. There is no hygiene. In a word, he is not doing any toyakkai. It is a matter of concern how much unconsciousness there is among the people.

Announced the closure of tourist or recreation centers. Because in these places, the image of deep wandering of people emerges. The government has emphasized the need to adhere to hygiene rules on public transport to prevent coronary infections. As well as 80 percent increase in public transport fares. But it remains to be seen to what extent hygiene is being observed in public transport. Because most passengers do not have a face mask. There is no hand sanitizer in public transport. And the rent has been increased by 80 percent. But in fact many are charging 100 to 120 percent of the fare from the passengers.

Not only that, ordinary passengers are suffering from transport crisis. Even after waiting for a long time for transportation, he is not able to go to the desired transport. Not being able to reach office-court or workplace at the right time. It has been seen that even though half of the passengers were supposed to be taken in the transport, the passengers are being picked up as before. So is this the hygiene? The question remains.

What have we thought? Anyone who can afford to increase the fare of public transport will be able to go to his own destination effortlessly. But what will he who can not afford? Where will his condition stand? Sad but true is the fact that 70 percent increase in public transport is a poison for the lower middle class. Because those who eat day after day are struggling to feed their families. On the other hand, the prices of essential commodities are rising. On top of that he has to pay double the fare on the way to work. Which, of course, made the video an overnight sensation. Why do passengers have to bear the burden of increasing public transport fares? I think not only the pressure on the passengers but also the government and the transport owners have to take responsibility in this case.

Rents have been increased to prevent corona infection. The transports have been told to take half the passengers. But to what extent has the management of the transport crisis been implemented? But that is also the main issue. In order to deal with the transport crisis, the transports that are used to travel to different places should be reduced if necessary. As a result, the transport will be able to reach its destination ahead of time and the suffering in the transport crisis will be reduced to some extent. Besides, the number of transports should be increased.

In conclusion, there is no substitute for being aware and staying at home to prevent corona infection. If necessary, in the interest of the safety of the family, they have to stay outside in accordance with the hygiene rules. Everyone should pay attention to the proper implementation of the 16 points announced by the government. All passengers, including drivers and helpers, must follow the rules of hygiene. Masks should be made compulsory and hand sanitizers should be provided as well. Transport owners need to be sincere towards ordinary lower middle class passengers. If necessary, the previous rent should be taken from them without doubling the rent. Wearing masks should be made compulsory at all levels. Traffic police including law enforcement should be vigilant so that more passengers do not get on public transports. So let`s be aware of ourselves, let`s encourage others to be aware. Because, there is no substitute for awareness to protect against corona infection. Because, healthy life is desirable for everyone.

Author: M Sayem Ahmad is a Columnist and cultural activist. He is also the President of Bangladesh Torun Column Lekhok Forum at Dhaka College Unit.