Heavy pressure makes smooth Eid travel difficult, struggling to manage situation: IGP

This year's Eid-ul-Adha journey will not be as smooth as it was during the last Eid, due to the overwhelming pressure of homebound people within a very short holiday window, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said today (5 June).

Speaking to reporters around after inspecting the Dhaka-Tangail highway at Chandra in Gazipur, the IGP said, "There is immense pressure of passengers all at once because of the short holiday before Eid. Despite our best efforts, we are struggling to manage the situation. We had hoped for a smooth journey like last time, but it seems that is not possible this year."

He added that law enforcement agencies, including the army and highway police, have been deployed to ease the journey. 

"Our aim now is to keep traffic moving at a slow pace rather than letting it come to a complete halt," he said, adding that the pressure of vehicles and passengers is so intense today that normal speeds cannot be maintained.

The IGP pointed out that many traffic disruptions are being caused by passengers stopping vehicles mid-road and trying to board from unsafe spots, which further slows traffic. 

"Using force in these cases would be inhumane. We are trying to manage the situation by persuading passengers," he explained.

He also praised the dedication of police personnel, noting that many officers have been on duty overnight and walked 10 to 15 kilometres on foot to manage traffic. 

"Even with this effort, we haven't been able to fully normalise the situation on the roads," he admitted.

When asked about complaints regarding overcharging by transport operators, the IGP said, "If such issues are brought to my attention, I will coordinate with BRTA and the district administration to take immediate action through mobile courts."

IGP Baharul Alam was accompanied by Gazipur Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadek and senior officials from the Highway Police during the visit.