Stop overcharging homebound passengers during Eid: Quader to bus owners

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has called on bus owners to ensure that passengers are not overcharged as they travel home for Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Quader emphasised the need for strict monitoring of bus fares and enhanced measures to facilitate safe and smooth journeys, reports UNB.
"We must guarantee fair treatment for all passengers, especially during the Eid rush," Quader said. "No extra fare should be imposed on homebound travelers."
Quader urged authorities to increase surveillance at key entry points to Dhaka and other strategic locations to manage the influx of travelers. He also stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate number of vehicles to prevent overcrowding and delays.
"Now, people can travel from Cumilla to Dhaka in 30-40 minutes. However, due to heavy traffic, passengers often face one to two-hour delays on the Hanif Flyover," Quader said, adding that this issue needs to be resolved in the national interest.
The minister highlighted the difficulties faced by garment workers, particularly in the Chandra area of Gazipur, during Eid journeys. "Thousands start walking on the streets due to a shortage of vehicles," he remarked, urging for more adequate transportation arrangements.
Quader reiterated that motorcyclists cannot be allowed to ride without helmets and stressed the importance of vehicle fitness. Bangladesh has progressed significantly, but the standards of bus owners have declined, he noted. "Proper surveillance is crucial to prevent road accidents."
He called on bus owners to ensure that only qualified drivers, not their helpers, operate the buses. "We need to strengthen the monitoring system to reduce the recurrence of accidents," Quader added.
Addressing the ongoing construction works, Quader directed authorities to halt road digging during the Eid holidays and monsoon season to avoid inconvenience to travelers. He also ordered a temporary suspension of construction activities for seven days around Eid.
Furthermore, CNG fuel stations have been instructed to remain open for seven days before and five days after Eid-ul-Azha to accommodate increased demand.
BSS adds: the movements of heavy vehicles such as trucks, covered vans and lorries except sacrificial animal-laden vehicles will remain suspended on the highways for seven days beginning from three days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to ensure hassle-free travel for holidaymakers.
All CNG refueling stations across the country will remain open round the clock for 12 days beginning from seven days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at BRTA Bhaban Thursday with Road Transport and Bridges minister Obaidul Quader in the chair.