Eid travel chaos exposes governance failures

For years, political leaders and ministers have shown a persistent lack of control of their speeches, decisions and initiatives on national issues. During the Eid vacation, these shortcomings were evident in areas such as transport fares, availability of vehicles and bus scheduling.

Illegal hikes in transport fares were a common problem this Eid, yet the relevant state minister categorically denied it, even claiming that some vehicles charged less than the official fare. Such statements are completely misleading. Once again, the public endured heavy traffic congestion and poor schedule management, adding to the misery.

The most tragic issue was the spate of road accidents across almost all modes of transport, including buses, trains, launches, and ferries. The disruption of transport management was extreme, and deaths from road accidents this Eid were perhaps the highest in recent years.

Announcing compensation is no real remedy; it is merely a token gesture. People expect safety and comfort during their journeys, and ensuring this is an undeniable responsibility of the state.

While deaths are sometimes inevitable, they should be seen as a natural part of life. Accidents caused by mismanagement, negligence and flawed systems are not acceptable. Likewise, unchecked statements meant to conceal systemic failures must stop immediately. The nation must confront these facts without delay.

Kawsik Azad Pronoy

A banker