Govt to take measures for ensuring safe Eid travel: Rabiul Alam

The government has taken 26 decisions to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

"Coordinated initiatives across road, rail and waterways, along with strict monitoring, would make this year's Eid journey more comfortable than ever", said Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam during a press conference at the Secretariat today (26 February).

"Based on recommendations from stakeholders and last year's successful experience, we have taken 26 decisions. Special monitoring will remain in force from five days before Eid to five days after Eid," he added.

To ease congestion, the road from Zero Point to Sadarghat will remain traffic-free from the 15th of Ramadan until the third day after Eid. City corporations and traffic police will remove illegal parking and roadside encroachments.

"From March 16 to March 25, sand-laden bulkheads and small boats will remain suspended round-the-clock, night-time speedboat operations will be banned, and from March 17 to March 24, ferries will carry only essential and perishable goods trucks, with regular trucks and covered vans barred to ensure uninterrupted passenger movement," the minister said.

He also warned that no additional fare beyond rates approved by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will be allowed. Mobile courts will remain active, and violations may lead to cancellation of route permits and licences.

Rabiul said, "Rescue vessels will remain on standby, and fire safety measures will be strengthened at key river ports, with floating fire stations if needed. BRTC feeder bus services will facilitate onward travel, and garment factories have been requested to stagger holidays to reduce pressure."

A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against extortion and passenger harassment. Passengers may call 999 or BIWTA hotline 16113 for assistance.