The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a special public notice with detailed instructions to ensure safe, smooth and uninterrupted Eid journeys for homebound people.
The notice includes guidelines for long-distance bus operators, workers, passengers and pedestrians.
The instructions were issued on Sunday in a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed. The DMP has urged all concerned to strictly follow the rules.
Guidelines for transport owners and workers
The DMP outlined 14 instructions for transport operators and workers to ensure discipline during Eid travel:
Buses must depart from terminals according to the scheduled timetable.
2. No additional fare can be charged beyond the approved rate.
3. Passengers must not be mistreated or harassed in any form.
4. The same seat cannot be sold to more than one passenger.
5. No passengers are allowed on bus roofs under any circumstances.
6. Passengers cannot be carried in goods or livestock vehicles, especially after transporting sacrificial animals.
7. Drivers must avoid reckless and excessive speed and follow fixed speed limits.
8. Overtaking is strictly prohibited in restricted areas, sharp bends and narrow bridges.
9. Driving under the influence of intoxicants, drowsiness or physical illness is not allowed.
10. Driving without a valid licence and updated documents is completely prohibited.
11. Drivers must not use mobile phones or earphones while driving, and loud music in vehicles is not allowed.
12. Wrong-way driving is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
13. Transport owners must verify valid driving licences before appointing drivers.
14. No driver can be forced to drive more than five consecutive hours or more than eight hours a day.
Instructions for passengers
Passengers are advised to board buses only from designated terminals or counters instead of roadside stops. They must avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers to stay safe from “unconsciousness gangs” and “sedation gangs”. Passengers must keep their belongings under their own responsibility.
They are also advised to reach terminals or counters before the scheduled departure time. Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles and travelling in goods- or animal-carrying vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Instructions for pedestrians
Pedestrians must use zebra crossings, foot overbridges and underpasses when crossing roads. They must avoid running while crossing and should not use mobile phones during road crossing. Footpaths must be used for walking instead of roadways.
The DMP said passengers facing any problems at terminals during Eid travel can contact the terminal police control room or the national emergency service number 999.
