The government will ensure enough fuel supply for public transport to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Saturday.
The minister made the remarks while visiting several major bus terminals in the capital in the afternoon. During the inspection, he visited the BRTC bus counter at Fulbaria, Gulistan bus stand and Sayedabad bus terminal.
The minister also interacted with passengers, inquiring whether they were facing any difficulties or harassment during their journeys.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Rabiul said the government is working tirelessly to make this year’s Eid journey safe, smooth and comfortable under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We are working round the clock so that people can return home with ease and celebrate Eid with their families in a joyful environment.”
The minister said buses are currently operating according to the scheduled timings and fares, adding that adequate fuel supply has been ensured for public transport so that passengers are not burdened with extra fares.
He also said the authorities concerned are working round the clock to keep the road transport system functioning smoothly so that travellers can reach their destinations safely and on time.
Rabiul said bus owners’ associations, workers’ organisations and relevant government agencies are jointly monitoring the situation on the ground to ensure hassle-free Eid travel. “The ministry has also taken several initiatives to make travel more comfortable for passengers. Limited arrangements for iftar have been made for fasting travellers at several highway toll plazas, while nearby hospitals have been kept prepared to provide immediate primary treatment if anyone falls ill during the journey.”
Mobile courts are also being operated to prevent overcharging and passenger harassment, the minister added.
He said authorities have already identified possible congestion-prone areas and taken additional monitoring measures there. In places where road construction or repair work is ongoing, a certain number of lanes have been kept open to maintain normal traffic flow. “We are utilising our maximum capacity to ensure a safe, comfortable and smooth Eid journey this year. We hope people will be able to return home without disruption.”
State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, Chief Coordinator of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Mohammed Ziaul Haque, leaders of transport owners’ and workers’ associations, and senior government officials were present during the visit.