Steps taken to address challenges

The government considers rain, last-minute garment workers' rush, transportation of 10 million sacrificial animals along with 15 million homebound passengers among other challenges to be addressed for ensuring smooth and secure journey during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holiday.

Rail, Road Transport and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam shared the challenges at a press conference at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges on Monday after holding meetings with all stakeholders.

He said all ministries and agencies concerned have already taken measures to address the challenges in light of experiences of unexpected and embarrassing incidents happening during the Eid-ul-Fitr despite their sincere efforts and took realistic decisions to avert those.

According to the initiatives, the number of mobile courts has been increased to 69 to conduct monitoring at various critical points of the highways; Highway Police will keep constant monitoring along 42 kilometres stretch identified, movement of non-motorised and small vehicles will be prevented on the major highways, highways and regional corridors will be kept free from setting up haats of sacrificial animals etc.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will open a 24-hour control room at its headquarters to monitor the congestion-prone points of the highways, prevent selling of bus tickets at exorbitant rates and overloading in trucks and lorries during May 20-31.

Special vigilance and monitoring teams will also be deployed at all bus terminals including Mohakhali, Gabtoli, Fulbaria and Saidabad along with deployment  of BGB and rover scouts and the law enforcers.

Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation will operate special buses including standby buses a week before and after the Eid day.

Besides, the Health Department will operate 10 medical teams to conduct dope tests on drivers and special attention will also be given to black spots of accidents.

smunima@yahoo.com