Cumilla: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Friday expressed optimism that this year’s Eid-ul-Azha journey will be comfortable and smooth despite the challenge of transporting a huge number of passengers and sacrificial animals within a short period. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a cheque distribution program for families of road accident victims at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was jointly organised by the Cumilla district administration and the Cumilla circle of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). During the programme, compensation cheques totaling Tk 4.89 crore were distributed among the families of 86 people who were killed and 33 others who were injured in road accidents. Families of the deceased received Tk 5 lakh each, while the injured received between Tk 2 lakh and Tk 3 lakh each.
Minister Rabiul Alam highlighted that transporting nearly 2.5 crore people along with sacrificial animals within a limited time remains a major challenge during Eid-ul-Azha every year. He noted that limitations in the country’s infrastructure and transport system often complicate Eid travel. However, he remains hopeful that with public cooperation, awareness, and favourable weather conditions, this year’s Eid journey will be smooth and comfortable.
The minister also discussed ongoing efforts to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure, mentioning that work is underway to expand the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway into a 10-lane corridor. Development activities are also continuing on other important highways across the country.
Addressing road safety concerns, Rabiul Alam stated that approximately 4,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually on average. He cited driver inefficiency, unfit vehicles, and lack of public awareness as the main reasons behind these accidents and informed that the government has taken initiatives to reduce such incidents.
The event was also attended by State Minister for Railways, and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, Cumilla-6 lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque, and BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman.