Bangladesh Police has issued a set of safety guidelines ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr aimed at ensuring secure and hassle-free travel for home-bound people.
In a press release circulated to the media on Thursday, police urged travellers to plan their journeys well in advance and give top priority to the safety of themselves and their family members during the Eid rush.
Passengers were advised not to pressure drivers to drive at excessive speeds and to avoid risky travel such as riding on bus roofs or using trucks, pickups, or other goods-carrying vehicles for passenger transport.
Pedestrians have also been encouraged to use zebra crossings or foot overbridges while crossing roads. Where such facilities are unavailable, people should cross the road carefully after observing traffic movement and may seek assistance from police if necessary.
Travellers were further warned against reckless driving and accepting food or drinks from strangers.
Bus drivers have been instructed to refrain from overspeeding and risky overtaking.
Police also advised drivers not to operate vehicles while fatigued, ill or exhausted and to carry valid driving licences and other required documents at all times. They were also asked not to take additional passengers and to follow police directions while travelling on regional roads and highways.
For waterway travellers, police advised avoiding overcrowded launches, steamers and speedboats and refraining from travelling on vessel roofs.
Passengers were also urged not to undertake journeys by water during adverse weather conditions and to wear life jackets while travelling on speedboats.
Vessel owners have been asked to ensure that boats are operated by certified masters and drivers and to suspend operations during severe weather.
They were also directed to restrict passenger movement on the master bridge and maintain adequate life buoys and life jackets on board.
Vessel operators have been advised to check weather forecasts before leaving port, avoid placing cargo in passenger seating areas on deck and ensure the availability of sufficient safety equipment.
In the event of storm warnings, vessels should be moved to safe locations. Operators were also advised to carry mobile phones and radios and regularly monitor weather bulletins.
Train passengers were cautioned against travelling on the roofs, buffers, footboards or engines of trains. Police also advised travellers to remain alert to incidents such as stone throwing and to keep their belongings secure during the journey. Passengers were also urged not to travel without valid tickets.
For emergency assistance, travellers may contact the control room of Police Headquarters Bangladesh at 01320001300 or 01320001299.
Additional support is available through Highway Police Bangladesh (01320182598), Bangladesh Railway Police (01320177598), Bangladesh River Police (01320169598) and Rapid Action Battalion at 01777720029. Travellers may also seek help from the local superintendent of police or the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station if required.
