United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Police on Thursday issued a set of safety guidelines for travellers and transport operators to ensure safe and smooth journeys during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. In a press release, police urged travellers to plan their Eid trips in advance and remain mindful of their own safety and that of their family members while travelling. Passengers were advised not to pressure drivers to speed and to avoid travelling as extra passengers on the roofs of buses or in trucks, pickups and other goods-laden vehicles, as it poses serious risks to life. Police also asked pedestrians to use zebra crossings or foot overbridges while crossing roads. Where such facilities are unavailable, pedestrians should cross carefully after observing traffic movement and seek assistance from police if necessary. Travellers were also cautioned against accepting food or drinks from strangers during journeys. Bus drivers were requested not to drive at excessive speed or engage in risky overtaking. They were also asked to refrain from driving when fatigued, ill or exhausted, and to carry valid driving licences and necessary vehicle documents at all times. Transport operators were also instructed not to carry extra passengers. People travelling on regional roads and highways were advised to follow instructions from police authorities. Passengers of launches, steamers and speedboats were asked not to board vessels beyond their capacity or travel on the roofs of vessels. They were also advised to avoid travelling during adverse weather conditions. In case of storms during the journey, passengers were urged to remain calm and stay in their places rather than running around. Those travelling by speedboats were advised to wear life jackets. Owners of launches, steamers and speedboats were asked to ensure that vessels are operated by qualified masters and drivers and to suspend operations during bad weather. Authorities were also advised to restrict public movement near the master bridge and keep adequate buoys on board. Boat operators were instructed to check weather forecasts before leaving ports, avoid carrying cargo on passenger decks and ensure sufficient life jackets and buoys are available. They were also advised to move vessels to safer locations or anchor near the shore if storms are anticipated and to keep mobile phones and radios on board to monitor weather bulletins. Police also emphasised ensuring that fire pumps and firefighting equipment on vessels remain functional and that vessels carry buoys with ropes measuring 100 to 150 feet to help identify accident-hit vessels. Acting DMP Commissioner asks police to stay alert to ensure smooth Eid travel Train passengers were advised not to travel on train roofs, buffers, footboards or engines, and to remain cautious about incidents of stone throwing during train journeys. They were also urged to safeguard their belongings and avoid travelling without tickets. In case of emergency, people were asked to contact the Police Headquarters control room at 01320001300 or 01320001299. They may also contact the Highway Police Headquarters at 01320182598, Railway Police Headquarters at 01320177598, Naval Police Headquarters at 01320169598, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at 01777720029, or their respective district police superintendents and local police station officers-in-charge.