Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has assured that passengers will not face extra fares during the upcoming Eid holiday.
The government has put in place coordinated measures to ensure smooth travel for homebound passengers and warned of strict action against any violation.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the minister said preparations have been underway for nearly ten days involving all relevant departments.
Field administration, mobile teams, river police, highway police, and, if necessary, the armed forces will manage the heavy passenger flow.
He stressed strict monitoring to prevent temporary markets, illegal parking, and road encroachments during the holiday. Bus and launch owners’ associations have also pledged not to increase fares, with stern warnings against any attempts to do so.
Responding to bus owners’ requests for toll exemptions for empty vehicles returning from bridges, the minister clarified that while the issue is under consideration, passengers will not be charged extra under any circumstances.
Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Shaikh Rabiul Alam said that about 1.5 crore people leave Dhaka within two days during Eid, a phenomenon rare even among the world’s largest cities.
The government considers this heavy passenger flow its biggest challenge and urged travelers to avoid unsafe and unauthorised vehicles.
On proposals to extend the Eid holiday by a day, the minister said the matter is still under review and decisions will be made based on circumstances.
He expressed confidence that with proper planning and cooperation from all parties, a safe and smooth Eid travel experience can be ensured.
