Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced today that no cattle markets would be permitted on or beside highways ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and passengers. The minister made this statement during a press conference at the conference room of the Road Transport Ministry at the secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister detailed that 69 mobile courts will be operational at various locations in Dhaka to facilitate uninterrupted travel for people heading to different districts during the Eid holidays. This initiative is also intended to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion on roads. He emphasized that the Prime Minister has issued directives to ensure the safety of homebound Eid passengers, and meetings have been conducted with relevant agencies, including a meeting led by the Prime Minister herself.
The minister further explained that the Railway Ministry and the Ministry of Shipping have held meetings following the Prime Minister’s directives, culminating in today’s meeting of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. Highlighting the importance of smooth road movement for cattle-carrying trucks during Eid-ul-Azha, round-the-clock monitoring will be in place at Dholaipar Bus Stand, Abdullahpur, and Gabtoli Bus Terminals.
Rabiul urged passengers not to board or alight from buses at random locations, and transport owners have been instructed to prevent indiscriminate boarding and disembarking. Executive magistrates, intelligence agency personnel, and highway police will be present on highways, ready to take immediate action in case of significant traffic congestion.
Addressing waterway travel, Rabiul stated that boarding launches from speedboats or small boats will not be allowed during this year’s Eid journey, except at terminals with proper stair arrangements. Specific instructions have also been issued for ferry crossings, requiring passengers to disembark from buses before the vehicles board ferries. Measures to control bus speed before boarding and the installation of barricades at pontoons have been implemented.
The minister assured that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure the safety of road travelers. Additionally, garment factory owners have been requested to stagger workers’ holidays over three days to alleviate travel pressure during Eid.