Army-police efforts keep highways clear of traffic congestion despite Eid rush

The Dhaka-Aricha highway, known for its maddening congestion, particularly in the Nabinagar area, seemed to be humming a different tune today (30 March).

Abdur Rashid, a commuter waiting at the Nabinagar Bus Terminal, told The Business Standard, "I expected traffic jams but was surprised to find the roads clear. Even at Nabinagar, there was no congestion."

A driver of a Rajdhani Paribahan bus in the Palli Bidyut area spoke of a similar experience. "Except for some congestion in the service lanes, there was no major traffic jam. However, we were not allowed to enter Nabinagar directly and had to take a detour past the RAB office. But this actually helped in preventing large-scale congestion."

The smooth travel experience is largely owed to the joint efforts of the police and army personnel to maintain traffic flow. Holiday travellers, who were prepared for hours-long delays, were pleasantly surprised at the seamless management.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Shahinur Kabir said to streamline traffic, authorities rerouted vehicles at key points, preventing major bottlenecks.

"Haphazard parking and unauthorised vehicle stoppages are major causes of congestion. This time, we strictly controlled these issues. Also, at critical junctions like Nabinagar and Baipail, U-turns were closed to direct traffic along designated routes, keeping movement smooth," he added.

More than 1,700 police personnel were deployed from Aminbazar to Chandra in Gazipur. In Nabinagar and Baipail, army personnel worked alongside the police, ensuring efficient traffic management and a trouble-free journey for travellers.

Strict monitoring to prevent labour unrest

Labour unrest, in recent times, has become one of the key reasons behind long tailbacks on highways. The authorities took that into account as well.

Ahead of Eid, Industrial Police had identified 51 factories in Savar and Ashulia at risk of labour unrest due to unpaid wages and bonuses.

Later, about 50-60% of these factories indeed faced issues, but timely intervention by law enforcement, including the Bangladesh Army, helped resolve them and prevent large-scale protests.

Superintendent of Industrial Police-1, Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan, said, "Based on intelligence, we categorised factories by risk levels and closely monitored them. When disputes arose, we worked with BGMEA, the department of factory inspection, and the army to resolve them."

"In two or three instances where workers blocked roads, we intervened immediately. It was a collective effort with the army working alongside us. Wherever problems arose, we responded swiftly, ensuring workers received their dues. Our message was clear—workers must be paid, and we provided necessary support to factory owners to make that happen."

The SP further said one of the most challenging cases was Chain Apparels, where the owner was absent. "Initially, the factory offered only 20% of the bonuses to its 1,200 workers. However, under pressure from the army and police, the factory sold stock-lot goods and completed full bonus payments by 10:00pm last night."

Similarly, another factory in Savar's Rajashon was unable to pay bonuses. The owner eventually sold machinery to fulfil worker payments before Eid, he said.

Law enforcement also took strict measures to prevent road blockades by protesting workers. Joint patrols by police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) from Baipail to Chandra ensured that no disruptions occurred, SP Mominul added.

Enhanced security measures in shopping areas

Concerns over law and order in Savar and Ashulia before Eid were eased by increased patrols. Police and army personnel were stationed at major shopping centres, ensuring safe and incident-free shopping experiences for the public.

"This year, in addition to regular police deployments, the army's presence added an extra layer of security," said a senior police official.

Thanks to the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, this year's Eid travel and shopping period remained largely smooth, safe, and free of major disruptions.