Dhaka: The government has announced a suspension on the movement of trucks, covered vans, and lorries across highways for a period of six days to ensure smooth travel and reduce traffic congestion during the Eid-ul-Azha festival. This restriction will be enforced three days before Eid, from June 4 to June 6, and three days after Eid, from June 12 to June 14.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, exemptions will be granted to vehicles transporting livestock, daily necessities, perishable goods, garments, medicines, fertilizers, and fuel. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued a detailed statement, signed by Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, outlining specific instructions to improve traffic management during this period.
The DMP instructions include banning buses without route permits and ensuring inter-district buses pick up passengers only inside terminals. Buses are prohibited from parking on roads outside terminals, and passengers can only board or alight at designated counters. Additionally, vehicles that are damaged or emit black smoke will not be allowed on the roads.
To further ease congestion, specific traffic directions have been provided for various highways. Notably, on the Dhaka-Ashulia highway, only outgoing vehicles will be permitted from June 4 to June 6, and a similar one-way directive applies to the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway for vehicles exiting Dhaka.
The DMP has also provided instructions concerning cattle markets, emphasizing that no trading should occur on roads, and dedicated spaces should be available for loading and unloading within market boundaries. Clear signage should indicate designated market areas, and no markets should be set up alongside major roads without adhering to specified guidelines. Vehicles associated with cattle markets must not be parked on access roads, with violators facing immediate vehicle impoundment.
The DMP urges all relevant stakeholders, including vehicle drivers, market personnel, and city residents, to adhere to these guidelines to maintain order and reduce congestion during the festival period. The cooperation of all parties is requested to ensure the success of these measures.