Over 30 people were detained from in front of Rajuk Bhaban in Dhaka for defying Covid-19 restrictions and health guidelines on the six day of the weeklong nationwide "strict lockdown".
Police will release them after giving them a briefing on the government-imposed restrictions and health guidelines, said Assistant Police Commissioner of Motijheel Zone Abul Hasan, who was present there.
"We will make them aware and release them after they assure us that they won't violate the rules again," the police official said.
"This can be considered an awareness campaign," he said.
The detainees were seen squatting on the footpath. This is their "punishment", police said.
The law enforcers will take tougher action against those violating rules from tomorrow, they said.
Police were also seen communicating with guardians of some of the detainees over phone, reports our photojournalist Prabir Das from the spot.
Among the detainees, Russel and Kamal were out on a rickshaw due to an emergency. But they were detained as the two were sharing a rickshaw, not maintaining physical distancing.
Another detainee, Sumon was asked to squat on the footpath as he did not wear mask properly.
Some others were detained as they gave excuses like to have a cup of tea at the neighbourhood stall -- that were not emergencies – for going out.
Today, rickshaws are dominating Dhaka streets. Some private cars are also plying the roads.
There were also some motorcycles on the roads. Police are stopping motorbikes carrying more than one rider.
Police set up check-posts at important points including Tejgaon, Shahbagh and Palashir Mor and were seen interrogating commuters on their reasons for being out.
The busy commercial hub Motijheel wore a deserted look with few rickshaws and office-staff carrying vehicles.
