Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a set of traffic guidelines and restrictions to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and safe travel for people leaving the capital during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
In a press release issued on Thursday, DMP said a large number of people are expected to leave Dhaka for their hometowns during Eid.
Usually more than 15 million people leave the capital while over four million enter the city during the Eid period.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for homebound travellers, DMP has been carrying out various preparations and urged city residents and transport operators to follow several instructions.
According to the notice, the movement of trucks, covered vans and lorries on highways will remain suspended from March 17 to March 23, except for vehicles carrying essential commodities, perishable goods, garments items, medicines, fertilisers and fuel.
From March 16, vehicles not directly involved in Eid travel have been requested to avoid several major roads in the capital unless necessary and use alternative routes to reduce congestion.
The roads include Dhaka–Mymensingh highway (Kuril to Abdullahpur), Dhaka–Chattogram highway (Gulistan to Signboard), Dhaka–Aricha highway via Mirpur Road (Arong Crossing to Aminbazar), Dhaka–Keraniganj road (Fulbaria–Tatibazar–Babubazar Bridge), Dhaka–Mawa highway (Gulistan to Buriganga Bridge), Mohammadpur Bosila Crossing to Bosila Bridge road, Abdullahpur to Ashulia road, and Fulbaria to Sadarghat launch terminal road.
DMP also asked public transport owners and workers to strictly follow several instructions.
Inter-district buses must pick up passengers inside terminals and depart directly for their destinations without stopping on nearby roads.
Passengers must not be picked up or dropped off outside designated counters or bus stops and buses must not be parked on roads used for entering or leaving the capital.
BRTC buses will depart from their respective depots and travel directly to destinations in different divisions without crossing the Dhaka metropolitan area unnecessarily.
Bus operators have also been instructed to follow schedules strictly, avoid charging extra fares, refrain from mistreating passengers and not sell multiple tickets for the same seat.
Drivers have been asked to follow speed limits, avoid reckless driving and risky overtaking, especially on curves and narrow bridges.
Driving under the influence of intoxicants or while physically unfit is strictly prohibited and drivers must carry valid licences and updated documents.
The notice also said drivers must not use mobile phones or headphones while driving, drive on the wrong side of the road or operate unfit or mechanically faulty vehicles.
Vehicle owners have been instructed not to force drivers to drive continuously for more than five hours at a stretch or eight hours a day.
Passengers and pedestrians have also been advised to board buses only from designated terminals or counters, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers and keep their belongings safe.
They were also asked to arrive at bus counters ahead of departure time, use foot overbridges, underpasses or zebra crossings while crossing roads and avoid boarding or alighting from moving vehicles.
Acting DMP Commissioner asks police to stay alert to ensure smooth Eid travel
People were also advised not to run or talk on mobile phones while crossing roads and to use footpaths for walking.
DMP requested cooperation from transport owners, drivers and city residents to maintain traffic discipline and avoid congestion within areas under its jurisdiction.
In case of emergency, people may contact the police control room at terminals or the national emergency service number 999.