Inter-district communications were cut off on Monday as buses, trains and launches remained suspended on the first day of the weeklong lockdown across the country.

All long-route buses lied idle at different bus terminals, including Gabtali, Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gulistan in the capital. No passenger bus left the terminals during the lockdown.

But, many small vehicles, including private cars, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, microbuses and rickshaws, plied the city streets.
Most of the largest shopping malls, including New Market, Mouchak and Chandrima, remained closed. But, some small shops kept their shutters open.

During the lockdown, several hundred shop owners and employees staged a demonstration in Nilkhet area, protesting the government's decision to shut down all shopping malls and markets during the lockdown.

Dhaka’s New Market area wore a deserted look on the first day of the lockdown.

Offices and mills remained open. Office-goers and factory workers struggled to get transport in the morning to reach their offices.

Many enraged commuters staged demonstrations in different parts of the capital.

Most of the city streets were found nearly empty as many chose to stay home.

In many areas of the capital, police took action against the commuters who violated the health safety guidelines amid the pandemic.

Volunteers in different city points worked to raise awareness among people.

Banks were operated for two and a half hours from 10am and Amar Ekushey Book Fair wore a deserted look.

The government enforced the countrywide weeklong lockdown to check the surge of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the administration to take strict measures in implementing the lockdown.

The lockdown started at 6:00am in line with a government notification issued on Sunday.

The notification said the lockdown will continue from April 5 to April 11 in the country as part of preventive measures against the corona pandemic.

Markets, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants came under the purview of the restrictions.

Vehicles being used by law enforcement agencies, emergency relief workers, health services, utility services, fire service, land and maritime ports, telephone and internet providers will be allowed to run.

All government, semi-government and autonomous offices can use own transport to carry a limited number of employees to working stations only to perform emergency duties.

Production at factories and construction work will continue with the own transportation facilities of the organisations.

Citizens are barred from venturing outdoors from 6:00pm to 6:00am without any emergency like buying medicines and daily essentials, seeking medical treatment or burial of the dead.

Restaurants and food shops can supply foods but no dine-in facility should be available under any circumstances.

Shopping malls will be closed, but e-commerce sites will be allowed to operate.

The staff must follow the health protocols in running online trading and no customer should appear at the shop physically.

Daily essential commodities, including kitchen ingredients, can be sold in open places from 8am to 4pm. The kitchen market authorities or the local administration must ensure that the health guidelines are followed.