Ahead of the busy Eid travel period, Sheikh Robiul Alam, Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Maritime Transport, has assured that there will be no tolerance for extortion or unethical practices on the roads. The minister emphasised that law enforcement and all stakeholders in the transport sector are fully alert to ensure safe and hassle-free journeys for travellers.
Preparations for Eid Travel
Speaking after a preparatory meeting at the ministry on Thursday, 5 March, Sheikh Robiul Alam outlined measures being taken to secure passenger safety across road, rail, and water transport during the Eid period. The session reviewed the coordination between law enforcement agencies, transport authorities, and local administration to prevent illegal levies and maintain orderly travel.
“Monitoring is crucial. Mobile courts are ready, highway police are vigilant, and local administration, especially all police stations under district and highway jurisdictions, are actively engaged,” the minister stated. He further highlighted that transport worker leaders are cooperating closely, taking responsibility to ensure that no unethical practices arise during Eid journeys.
Multi-Layered Oversight
Authorities are implementing a multi-layered oversight strategy:
| Oversight Level | Responsibility | Measures Implemented |
|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement | Highway Police, Local Police | Patrolling highways, checking for illegal levies |
| Judicial | Mobile Courts | On-the-spot fines and legal actions |
| Administrative Bodies | District & Sub-District Officials | Coordinating transport operations and monitoring complaints |
| Transport Worker Leaders | Unions and Associations | Ensuring driver compliance and ethical practices |
The minister stressed that these combined efforts are aimed at creating a secure environment for the millions of travellers expected during Eid. The presence of mobile courts allows for immediate action against any violations, while police patrolling and active involvement of transport workers help maintain ethical practices.
Ensuring Smooth Journeys
Eid is traditionally a peak period for travel in Bangladesh, with millions moving between cities and rural areas. The government’s approach seeks to prevent chaos, reduce traffic violations, and eliminate corruption-related harassment at checkpoints or terminals.
Sheikh Robiul Alam concluded: “All stakeholders are vigilant, and every participant has taken responsibility. Under no circumstances will there be an opportunity for unethical practices to disrupt Eid travel. Our goal is to ensure every passenger reaches their destination safely and without inconvenience.”
With these measures in place, the authorities aim to guarantee that the festive journeys remain smooth, safe, and free from extortion, reflecting a coordinated effort between government agencies and transport sector leaders.
