Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said dredging is underway on 1,200 kilometres of waterways, expressing hope that Eid travel will remain smooth and comfortable.
He made the remarks on Tuesday after inaugurating the Goma Bridge in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal.
He said authorities are monitoring 207 points on highways round the clock where congestion is likely during Eid travel, with surveillance also strengthened on highways and bridges.
He said no major traffic congestion has been reported so far, although vehicle movement has slowed at a few points.
“Movement has not stopped anywhere despite slower traffic in some areas. We expect this year’s Eid journey to be comfortable and safe, allowing people to return home without disruption,” he said.
He said around 7,500 kilometres of waterways are being kept navigable through regular dredging, with work currently ongoing on 1,200 kilometres.
He added that there are plans to develop a further 4,500 kilometres of waterways in the future.
He said necessary preparations have been taken to ensure uninterrupted vessel movement from Dhaka Sadarghat to Barishal river port.
“Nearly 1 crore 50 lakh people will leave Dhaka within two to three days ahead of Eid, which is a major challenge. However, under the prime minister’s direction, the preparations will ensure passengers reach their destinations comfortably,” he said.
He said the current government, elected by the people, is working to ensure development, adding that economic progress is not possible without infrastructure development.
Referring to the newly inaugurated bridge, he said the 283-metre-long Goma Bridge will play an important role for people in the Bakerganj area.
Construction of the bridge over the Rangamatia river in Bakerganj began in 2018 and was delayed due to various complications before being completed at a cost of Tk75 crore.
Vehicle movement started immediately after the inauguration, with locals expressing gratitude to the government as the bridge opened ahead of Eid.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Railways and Road Transport Ministry State Minister Habibur Rashid, local lawmaker Abul Hossain Khan, and senior officials of the administration.
