United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh recorded its highest-ever toll collection and vehicle movement on the Padma and Jamuna bridges during this year’s Eid travel rush, the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry said on Friday. According to the ministry, a record number of vehicles crossed the bridges, resulting in the highest-ever toll collection, thanks to coordinated management and well-planned measures to ensure smooth and safe journeys for homebound passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr. Between March 17 and 19, a total of 119,682 vehicles crossed the Padma Bridge in three days, significantly higher than 100,802 recorded during the same period in 2025. The bridge generated Tk 13.21 crore in tolls during these three days, compared to Tk 12.00 crore collected in 2025. Besides, the Jamuna Bridge recorded its highest-ever single-day traffic on March 18, with 51,384 vehicles crossing the bridge, surpassing the previous record of 48,368 in 2025. On the same day, toll collection on the Jamuna Bridge reached a record Tk 3.51 crore, exceeding Tk 3.46 crore collected during the previous year. Despite higher traffic pressure compared to 2025, the ministry claimed that there were no major accidents or severe congestion during the Eid period. The ministry attributed the success to several effective measures, including training and deployment of skilled toll collectors, operation of all toll lanes round-the-clock, expansion of motorcycle lanes, introduction of non-stop electronic toll collection (ETC), reopening of the Mawa bus bay, and enhanced traffic monitoring through surveillance cameras. Besides, steps such as opening the Elenga bus bay, deploying security guards at every 500 metres on the bridges, ensuring emergency medical support, and carrying out quick rescue operations using three wreckers including a heavy-duty rescue vehicle brought from the Karnaphuli tunnel helped maintain smooth traffic flow. Emergency toll lanes and distribution of iftar items to passengers were also part of the comprehensive management plan, the ministry added. END/UNB/MM/FH

Homebound passengers using the Chandpur launch terminal are facing severe suffering ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as construction of the much-anticipated modern terminal remains incomplete even after nearly four years. The project initiated at a cost of several hundred crores of taka has yet to be finished, leaving passengers to navigate an underdeveloped and poorly managed terminal during one of the busiest travel seasons. Visiting the terminal area from Tuesday morning to late afternoon a fragile and chaotic situation was found. Makeshift wooden stairs attached to the pontoon remain unusually steep, forcing passengers to struggle while boarding and disembarking. Passengers are also compelled to wait in overcrowded conditions on the limited space of the pontoon, with no proper waiting rooms, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities or breastfeeding corners available. Transport mismanagement has further compounded the suffering. As passengers disembark, they are often surrounded by CNG-run auto-rickshaw and three-wheeler drivers who aggressively compete to take luggage, creating disorder and discomfort. “It’s a complete mess here,” Abdul Malek, a passenger expressed frustration over the situation. Although authorities have repeatedly promised action, little improvement is visible on the ground, he said. Sources said construction work has stalled due to inactivity by the contractor, worsening the plight of travellers. Although the engineering wing of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) carried out some repair work ahead of Eid, it has done little to ease the pressure of thousands of passengers. Around 30 launches operate daily on the Chandpur-Dhaka-Narayanganj route, carrying thousands of passengers. The terminal is also used by people from neighbouring areas including Lakshmipur’s Raipur and Ramganj, as well as passengers from Haimchar upazila. About 20,000 passengers use the terminal every day, according to launch owners’ representatives Ali Azgar and Ruhul Amin. Passengers voiced their grievances while waiting for launches. “We are going to Dhaka, but there is no place to sit. We are forced to wait under the open sky in this heat,” said Sabina, one of the passengers, adding that the lack of sanitation facilities is making the situation worse, especially for those travelling with children. Another passenger, Masudur Rahman, said, “People travel during Eid to share joy with their families, but here porters and transport drivers create chaos by pulling at luggage. These issues need to be controlled.” Jahangir Hossain, who arrived from Dhaka, said although launch travel is considered relatively safe, mismanagement at the terminal exposes passengers to harassment. “Fares are being overcharged. A trip that should cost Tk 100 is being charged Tk 200 to 250. CNG and auto drivers are the worst offenders,” he alleged. Chandpur River Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASM Iqbal Hossain said law enforcement personnel are working round the clock to ensure passenger safety during the Eid rush. Deputy Director of Chandpur river port Md Kamruzzaman said passengers are currently using a temporary terminal due to ongoing construction work. “We are trying to ensure safe travel for passengers,” he added. Deputy Commissioner Md Nazmul Islam Sarker said an executive magistrate has been deployed at the terminal to oversee the situation. “We hope passenger services will improve through proper supervision and management,” he said.

There were no reports of prolonged traffic congestion on two major highways in Gazipur on Wednesday, offering relief to Eid travellers. From early morning, a heavy flow of homebound vehicles was seen on the Dhaka–Tangail and Dhaka–Mymensingh highways, as people headed towards northern districts to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families. Despite the increased pressure, traffic movement remained largely normal. However, vehicles moved slowly at key points, including Chandana Chowrasta and other major bus stands, due to a large number of waiting passengers. At Chandara Tri-Mor, long lines of vehicles stretching several kilometres were observed in the morning. Police said the slow movement in the area was mainly caused by passenger boarding on public transport rather than any major traffic disruption. Eid homebound rush sparks fears of gridlock on Sylhet-Dhaka highway Unlike previous years, no significant traffic congestion was reported on the stretch from Nabinagar to Chandara, bringing some relief to commuters. Gazipur Metropolitan Police and district police have deployed additional personnel along the highways. Around 1,000 members of the metropolitan police and 859 members of district police are working to maintain discipline, alongside highway police, industrial police and volunteers, said Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Israil Howlader.  He said authorities are working in coordination with other agencies to ensure safe and comfortable travel. “We have taken strict measures to prevent illegal parking, random passenger boarding and the movement of unauthorised vehicles and factory holidays—especially in the garment sector—have been staggered to ease pressure on highways,”he said. However, many passengers alleged that transport operators are charging higher-than-usual fares for different destinations.

Millions of people have started leaving the capital ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, leading to overwhelming crowds at major transport hubs, including Sadarghat Launch Terminal and Kamalapur Railway Station, as well as bus terminals across the city. Though there is no specific surveys about how many city dwellers will leave the capital. However, acting commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Sarwar told mass media that more than 10 million people are expected to travel to different districts from Dhaka to celebrate the Eid day with their near and dear. Eid journey to be hassle free: Road Transport Minister An estimated 1.5 to 2 million people are expected to leave Dhaka daily between March-16 and March 20. Besides, around 2 to 2.5 million people are expected to enter the capital from different districts to enjoy Eid vacation. The mass exodus began with the start of a seven-day holiday from Tuesday early morning. Government offices, courts, and many private institutions are closed, prompting city dwellers to travel to their village homes to celebrate Eid with their families. Monday (March 16) was the last working day before the holiday. It was seen that crowds began swelling at Sadarghat from Monday, while Kamalapur Railway Station witnessed passengers pressure from Tuesday morning. Though trains are running on schedule, all those are fully packed. However, on time schedule of trains bringing some relief to passengers. To ensure a smooth journey, railway authorities have adopted strict measures. Multiple steps ticket verification is being carried out before allowing entry to platforms. Yakub, a ticket checker, said authorities are maintaining maximum vigilance and not allowing entry without valid tickets. However, families are allowed one additional standing ticket at a fixed fare if needed. Passenger pressure has also increased at nearby bus counters around Kamalapur, reflecting the overall intensity of Eid travel. On Tuesday, Ali Hossain Fakir, Inspector General of Police, along with DMP Acting Commissioner Mohammad Sarwar, visited the Gabtoli Bus Terminal. During the visit, the IGP spoke with passengers and monitored the situation.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday said over the next two to three days, around 1.5 crore people will leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid and efforts are underway to ensure everyone can travel home without any inconvenience. “Within the next two to three days, nearly 1.5 crore people are expected to leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid. Managing this huge pressure is challenging. However, following the Prime Minister’s directives, the way we are working gives us hope that everyone will be able to travel home without any hassle,” he said. The minister came up with the remarks while inaugurating Gona Bridge in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal. Highlighting infrastructure challenges, the Minister said the Dhaka–Barishal highway is still a two-lane road which is too narrow for smooth traffic movement. “The highway needs to be widened and the government realises this. I have visited the spot and there is a plan to start the work as soon as possible,” he added. State Minister for Road Transport Habibur Rashid and MP of Barishal-6 constituency Abul Hossain Khan, officials from the Roads and Highways Department and local administration were present.

Commerce Minister Khondakar Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said the recent rise in global fuel prices triggered by the Iran-Israel conflict will not affect Eid travel in Bangladesh and there is no possibility of an increase in the prices of essential commodities. The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a programme in Sylhet where iftar and Eid gifts were distributed among working-class families. The minister said although fuel prices have increased in the global market due to the ongoing conflict, it will not impact the upcoming Eid journeys of people in the country. Sylhet to be brought under IP camera surveillance to curb crime: Commerce Minister However, he warned that if the war continues for a prolonged period, it could create some pressure on the global economy. “Bangladesh always stands for peace. We hope the war will end soon and peace will be restored in the world.” Responding to a question about the government’s preparations if the conflict drags on, Muktadir said the government has taken all necessary steps to deal with any potential situation. “This government has been elected by the direct vote of the people. To ensure public safety and keep people’s lives normal, the government has made all possible preparations. So there is no reason for the public to be worried.” Earlier, addressing the Eid gift distribution programme as the chief guest, the minister said the promises he made to voters before the election would be implemented gradually. “The problems of this city will also be resolved step by step. I seek everyone’s prayers and cooperation so that I can fulfil the responsibility you entrusted to me by electing me.” Among others, Sylhet metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan and General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury were present at the programme along with its organiser Shafiqul Rahman Sumon and leaders and activists of the party. Later, the minister attended iftar and prayer gatherings organised by the Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, Sunamganj Samity in Sylhet, and the Sylhet Metropolitan Police.

Despite government assurances of hassle-free Eid travel, commuters fear suffering on the Cumilla stretch of the Dhaka–Chattogram highway due to varous reasons including encroachment and illegal parking. Passengers and transport operators said these problems along the roughly 105-kilometre highway section could trigger severe congestion as homebound travellers begin their Eid journeys. A recent visit to different points of the highway revealed that vehicles are being parked haphazardly on the two-lane highway in areas such as Gouripur in Daudkandi upazila. Similar scenes were observed in Eliotganj of Daudkandi, Madhaiya, Kutumbpur and Chandina Sadar in Chandina upazila, Nimsar in Burichang, Padua Bazar and Suagazi in Sadar Dakkhin, and Miyabazar and Chauddagram Sadar in Chauddagram upazila. DMP issues traffic guidelines for hassle-free Eid travel Encroachment of footpaths is particularly visible at Padua Bazar, Miyabazar and Chauddagram Sadar. Meanwhile, roadside markets are frequently set up directly on the highway in areas like Nimsar, Miyabazar and Chauddagram Sadar. Besides, road repair works are currently underway in Amtali and Nishchintapur areas of Cumilla Sadar upazila due to damaged road sections, forcing vehicles to move slowly through those stretches. Padua Bazar has emerged as a particularly sensitive point on the highway. The Cumilla–Noakhali regional road intersects the Dhaka–Chattogram highway at this location, with transport services to Lakshmipur and Chandpur also passing through the intersection. Locals said buses are often parked haphazardly beneath the foot overbridge on the Chattogram-bound lane at Padua Bazar, creating congestion near a nearby U-turn point. The situation is further complicated by roadside vendors occupying the footpaths and road edges. Passengers are also picked up by buses standing under the foot overbridge at the entrance to the Noakhali road, frequently causing traffic gridlock in the area. In addition, a bus counter has been set up near a mosque at the intersection, where buses often wait on the highway itself, disrupting the smooth movement of vehicles. Passengers Meghdat Hossain, Fakhrul Islam and Alauddin said traffic congestion frequently occurs due to footpath encroachment, irregular parking and roadside markets. If monitoring is not strengthened, people travelling home for Eid will suffer greatly, they warned. Abdul Halim Majumder, general secretary of the South District Committee of Cumilla Bachao Manch, stressed the need to free footpaths from encroachment and create designated parking spaces for buses. “Buses should not be allowed to stop at intersections. Instead, designated stopping points should be arranged slightly ahead or behind the crossings,” he said. Mohammad Shahinur Alam Khan, superintendent  of Highway Police in the Cumilla region, said the authorities are aware of the problems. “We recently conducted drives to stop footpath encroachment. Discussions have also been held with transport owners and other stakeholders,” he said. He expressed hope that with everyone’s cooperation, necessary measures will be taken to ensure safe and smooth travel for homebound passengers during Eid.

Speakers at a views-exchange meeting on Wednesday stressed the need for stronger coordination among transport owners, workers and law enforcement agencies to ensure safe, orderly and hassle-free travel for homebound people during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The meeting was held at Mohakhali Bus Terminal in the capital on Wednesday with transport owners and workers to discuss measures for ensuring smooth, safe and toll-free journeys for passengers during the Eid rush. Traders fined for selling diesel at higher prices in Manikganj Member of Parliament Advocate Samsur Rahman Shimul Biswas attended the programme as the chief guest. Special guests included Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Sarwar and President of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association MA Baten. The keynote speech was delivered by Secretary General of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association and General Secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association Md Saiful Alam. The meeting was chaired by Executive President of the Mohakhali Bus Terminal Owners Association Abul Kalam Azad and was attended by transport owners, workers’ representatives and officials from relevant organisations. Speaking at the event, Advocate Samsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MO,  said a large number of people travel from the capital to different districts during Eid. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure passenger safety and prevent overcharging of fares and extortion. DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar said police have taken necessary security measures to ensure smooth Eid travel. He said surveillance will be intensified at bus terminals and on important roads, and immediate action will be taken if any allegations of extortion or passenger harassment are received. Speakers at the meeting emphasised strengthening coordination among transport owners, workers and law enforcement agencies to make Eid travel safe, organised and free from harassment.

  Thousands of holidaymakers have begun their journey home but the persistent rainfall  across the country could cause disruptions on roads and highways. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a 120-hour weather forecast warning of rainfall across the country starting Thursday (June 5) morning. According to the forecast, parts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thundershowers.  Some places in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions could also see similar weather.  However, day and night temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged. The BMD said temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding districts could rise by 1°C to 3°C on Thursday. Rain is expected to continue till Friday, although the overall intensity may weaken slightly, the department said, citing currently weak to moderate monsoon activity over the Bay of Bengal and less active conditions over Bangladesh. On Friday, light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds may occur at some places in all eight divisions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The BMD said light to moderate rain/thunder showers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely at one or two places over Chattogram, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions on the Eid day. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. The same condition may prevail the following day.  People could face discomfort due to rising temperatures, as both daytime and nighttime heat are expected to increase on Saturday.

With a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday starting Thursday (June 5), people across the country have already begun heading home from different cities and towns to celebrate with their loved ones. While the mass exodus is expected to gain full momentum from Thursday, the ongoing rainfall has added a layer of concern for holidaymakers. Despite a slight decrease in rainfall over recent days, moderate to heavy showers continue to affect most parts of the country. This has left many wondering how smooth or troublesome the upcoming Eid travel may be. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the south-west monsoon is currently moderately active over Bangladesh and moderately strong over the North Bay of Bengal. In its forecast for the 24 hours from 9:00 am on Tuesday (June 3), the BMD has indicated that many areas in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, some parts of Rangpur, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions, and isolated areas of Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.  Dhaka's cattle markets take shape as Eid-ul-Azha nears Besides, there is a possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some parts of Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, and moderate to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the Sylhet division. On Wednesday, June 4, most regions are expected to continue experiencing rainfall. The forecast suggests many areas in Sylhet division; some places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions; and isolated spots in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds. Sylhet division, in particular, may witness moderate to heavy showers in some locations. Looking further ahead, the three-day period from Thursday to Saturday (Eid day) is expected to see a gradual decline in rainfall. While the monsoon conditions will remain active, the likelihood of rainfall will diminish. Scattered areas across the country may still experience temporary gusty winds along with light to moderate rain or thundershowers during this period. This suggests that although the beginning of the Eid travel rush may be marked by some disruptions due to rain, conditions are likely to improve gradually as the weekend progresses. DMP Commissioner's strict directives for Eid-ul-Azha haat operations What About Heat? Despite the rain, temperatures have not dropped significantly everywhere. According to the BMD, Dhaka recorded a temperature of 24.6°C at 6:00 am on Tuesday. However, a mild heatwave is currently sweeping over the Khulna division. On Monday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Satkhira at 37.2°C. The meteorological department has indicated that the temperature in Khulna and surrounding areas may rise further over the next 24 hours, even amidst rainfall. But, the rest of the country could see a slight drop in temperature over the next two days due to continued rainfall. That said, once the rainfall starts to subside, temperatures are expected to climb again. The BMD has forecast that heat levels will increase even further after Eid, suggesting that while post-Eid travel may face less rain-related disruption, it could be accompanied by rising temperatures. Travellers are expected to brace for a somewhat uncomfortable start to the holiday rush due to ongoing showers. But there is some relief on the horizon, with conditions likely to improve gradually and clearer skies expected in the days following Eid.