Members of Bangladesh Police on Thursday remain vigilant across the capital as the city takes a deserted look following the announcement of 10-day general holiday. Photo: TBS

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will not allow anyone in the city to come out of the home from today unless it is an emergency.

"DMP Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam took the decision in a meeting with the high officials of police on Wednesday afternoon," Krishna Pado Roy, additional commissioner (crime and operation) confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.

DMP sources said that in last few days, the city dwellers showed less interests to obey the instructions given by the government to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"Many people are coming out from home without any emergency, they are seen gossiping with each other, staying on road unnecessarily disobeying the social distancing rules," Krishno Pado Roy added.

In another instruction, traffic division of the DMP has been asked to set-up a total of 64 check-posts across the city to check whether the vehicles are on the street due to any emergency or not.

Mofizuddin Ahmed, additional commissioner (traffic) also asked the policemen to check all the vehicles from 3 feet distance and only the hospital and emergency service vehicles will be allowed to ply in the city.

"If anyone violates the rules, traffic police will fine or punish them under the Road Transport Act, 2018," he added.