In preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Tuesday introduced several measures to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free travel experience for passengers, transport workers, and pedestrians.
The DMP urged all concerned to strictly adhere to the following guidelines in a press release.
Instructions for transport owners and workers
Inter-district buses must pick up passengers only from designated terminals and depart directly to their destinations without stopping on the streets; passengers must not be picked up or dropped off outside authorised ticket counters.
No vehicle should be parked on roads leading into or out of Dhaka city and BRTC buses must depart from their designated depots without crossing Dhaka unnecessarily (e.g., buses from Gabtoli depot should travel directly to Rangpur and Rajshahi, while those from Fulbaria and Kamalapur should head towards Chattogram and Sylhet), said the release.
It also mentioned that buses must adhere to their designated schedules when departing from terminals and transport operators must not overcharge passengers beyond the approved fare.
Passengers must not be subjected to any form of harassment or misconduct, tickets for a single seat must not be sold to multiple passengers.
15 directives issued to ensure safety ahead of Eid
No passengers should be allowed to travel on the roof of buses and speed limits must be strictly followed, and reckless driving is prohibited.
Overtaking is strictly forbidden in restricted zones, at road bends, and on narrow bridges.
Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of intoxicating substances or while feeling drowsy or physically unwell.
Vehicles must only be driven by individuals holding valid driving licenses and carrying updated vehicle documents.
The use of mobile phones or earphones while driving, as well as playing loud music inside vehicles, is strictly prohibited.
Driving against traffic on one-way roads is not permitted.
Transport owners must verify the validity of driving licenses before employing drivers.
Drivers must not be compelled to drive for more than five consecutive hours or beyond eight hours a day.
Unfit, mechanically defective, smoke-emitting, or rundown vehicles must not be used on the roads.
Guidelines for passengers
Passengers should board buses from designated terminals or counters, avoiding random street locations.
Food or drinks from strangers should not be accepted.
Luggage and personal belongings should be kept secure at all times.
Travellers should arrive at the terminal or counter well before the scheduled departure time.
Pedestrians must use foot overbridges, underpasses, or zebra crossings when crossing roads.
Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles and traveling in goods-laden vehicles is strictly prohibited.
For emergencies, passengers should contact the police control room at terminals or dial 999.
Instructions for pedestrians
Pedestrians must use zebra crossings, foot overbridges, or underpasses to cross roads.
Running or talking on mobile phones while crossing roads is strictly discouraged.
Footpaths must be used for walking instead of the main road.
The DMP has urged transport operators, passengers, and pedestrians to follow these instructions to ensure a safe and smooth Eid journey.
Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential for maintaining order and preventing disruptions during the festive rush, the release added.