United News of Bangladesh

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Saturday warned that strict action will be taken against any transport operator found charging extra fare from passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Narayanganj Terminal. Expressing optimism about the festive travel, the minister said this year’s Eid journey is expected to be safer and more comfortable than before. Though traffic congestion and lack of discipline may arise in some areas, he said the government has taken all necessary preparations to tackle possible challenges. “Instructions have been given to all concerned agencies, and the administration will remain more active than before,” he added. Regarding the Narayanganj Terminal, the minister said a World Bank-funded development project is currently closed. However, some improvement works are being carried out with government funding to keep terminal operations running. On allegations of extortion on waterways, he said immediate action would be taken upon receiving specific information, including the location and timing of the incident. The matter is under regular surveillance and, if necessary, the Home Ministry will be informed, as extortion is a criminal offence. The minister also addressed allegations of creating an artificial crisis in the market by keeping essential commodities stored in lighter vessels at the terminal for extended periods. During an inspection, wheat was found on one vessel, and information was received that goods on several other lighter ships had not been unloaded within the stipulated time, contributing to supply disruptions. Those concerned have been asked to explain the matter, he said, adding that legal action will be taken if a satisfactory response is not received. During the visit, the minister also inspected the under-construction Khanpur Inland Container Terminal (ICT), Bank Terminal, Dredger Base and the proposed terminal building area to be developed with World Bank financing. State Minister Habibur Rashid, BIWTA Narayanganj District Joint Director Mostafizur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner Alamgir Hussain, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Hasinuzzaman and other officials were present.

Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday warned that anyone charging extra fare on waterways during the upcoming Eid holidays will face strict action. “If even one taka is charged beyond the approved fare, legal action will be taken against the owner and driver, including cancellation of the route permit and vessel licence,” he said at a preparatory meeting at the Shipping Ministry in the afternoon. The minister said passenger pressure on water routes increases significantly during Eid. "Ensuring safe, orderly and smooth travel for passengers is a top government priority." Mongla Port to undergo radical changes in 6 months: Shipping Minister He instructed that the BIWTA-approved fare list must be clearly displayed at all river ports, terminals, wharves and vessels. He also warned that carrying extra passengers or goods on launches is strictly prohibited, and passengers must not be allowed on the roof. Allegations of overcharging or carrying extra passengers or goods will be investigated, and violators will face cancellation of route permits and licences, he said. The Minister said that the mobile courts will operate at ferry, launch and speedboat piers to enforce the rules. “To prevent accidents, sand-carrying bulkheads and dinghies will be banned from March 16 to March 25. Speedboats will not operate at night, and authorities will strictly enforce life jacket use during the day,” he added. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister From March 17 to March 24, crossings by ordinary trucks and covered vans will be banned, except for vehicles carrying daily necessities and perishable goods, to ensure uninterrupted passenger transport. Authorities have been directed to keep the road from Zero Point in Dhaka to Sadarghat free of traffic jams from the 15th of Ramadan to the third day after Eid. Traffic police, naval police, Ansar and community police will coordinate to manage the Sadarghat area, he said. The minister further said the unfit vessels and ferries have been banned from operating, and all vessels must follow the scheduled timings. Passengers will not be allowed to board mid-river, and repeated violations will be dealt with legally. Besides, patrols will be increased at night to prevent robbery, extortion, and harassment of passengers. At least four Ansar members will be deployed on each launch from the 15th of Ramadan to the third day after Eid. A vigilance team will be formed at each ghat by the district and upazila administration, police, naval police, and coast guard. Minister Rabiul added that a central monitoring team will also oversee the overall situation. Rescue vessels will be on standby, and the fire service and civil defence at key river ports have been instructed to remain alert. Floating naval fire stations will be set up if necessary. Eddy areas at the mouths of the Meghna and Dakatia rivers in Chandpur will be marked, and navigable channels on other rivers will be clearly indicated.  "Necessary excavation, pontoons and wharf improvements will be undertaken to keep all river routes operational," he said. Special facilities for women, children and disabled passengers—including drinking water, sanitation, mobile charging points and breastfeeding corners—will be provided at river ports and terminals. All river ports, including Sadarghat, will be kept clean, and anti-smoking awareness campaigns will be strengthened. The minister also requested phased leave for garment and knitwear sector workers in Dhaka and Gazipur to prevent sudden passenger surges. BRTC feeder bus services will be arranged to transport passengers from launches and ferry piers to the country’s interior. Shaikh Rabiul Alam emphasised that no irregularities or disorder will be tolerated during the Eid journey. Passengers are urged to contact the national emergency service 999 or the BIWTA hotline 16113 in case of emergencies. The meeting was attended by state ministers, secretaries, senior officials, heads of subordinate departments, district administration representatives, and officials from the Bangladesh Police, Coast Guard, Naval Police and Fire Service.

A 105-kilometre area of Dhaka-Chattogram highway remained free of traffic congestion on Thursday, bringing relief to homebound travelers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Despite a sharp rise in the number of vehicles no major traffic disruptions were reported from Daudkandi in Cumilla to Mohammad Ali area in Feni district, according to passengers and drivers. Traffic volume began to increase on Wednesday and continued till Thursday, with thousands of vehicles seen moving smoothly along the highway. Paturia ferry terminal sees increased traffic amid Eid rush Vehicles were seen moving without any hindrance through key points in Cumilla including Daudkandi, Elliotganj, Madhaiya, Chandina, Nimsar, Cantonment, Paduar Bazar, Miabazar and Chauddagram. To ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement members of the highway police and the army are working jointly, said witnesses. The district administration and Rover Scouts are also assisting in maintaining discipline on the highway, highway police sources said. Talking to UNB, passengers expressed satisfaction saying the congestion-free journey has added to their joy of returning home for Eid. Eid home rush: 12-km tailback on Dhaka-M’sing highway  

With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, authorities have taken preparations to ensure a smooth journey for holidaymakers at Paturia and Aricha ferry terminals, key transit points to the southern districts and crucial waterways to northern Bangladesh. Abdus Salam, Additional General Manager (AGM) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said to ensure smooth and safe transport of passengers and vehicles 17 ferries will operate on Paturia-Daulatdia route and 6 ferries (both large and small) on the Aricha-Kazirhat route. Besides, 600 police officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, will be stationed across the 36-kilometre road in Manikganj as well as on the Aricha and Paturia waterways. Emergency telephone services will also be available to ensure safety and prevent any inconvenience to travelers. To ensure efficient management of the journey, coordination meetings have already been held between the district administration, police, BIWTC, BIWTA, transport sector leaders, and the relevant ferry terminal authorities. Several key decisions were made in these meetings. To handle the increased vehicle pressure at Paturia terminal, the northern side of the terminal will use the BRTC terminal. Besides, trucks carrying sand or soil will not be allowed to operate on the highways and connecting roads during this period. To enhance passenger safety, in addition to the 999 emergency service, local police and administrative officials will  also provide assistance. Abdus Salam said the pontoon and approach roads at the ferry terminals have been repaired to facilitate vehicle boarding and disembarking.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday claimed that this year's Eid journey has been free of traffic jams and public sufferings. He said this to reporters while visiting the overpass constructed at the capital's airport this morning. Quader said that instructions have been given to the officials concerned  to make the return Eid trip smooth and comfortable. Roads and Highways Department Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Noori, Bridges Department Secretary Manjur Hossain and senior officers were present at the time. Read more: AL-backed syndicates make Eid holidaymakers suffer with extortion, harassment: Rizvi Quader said that this year there is no suffering of travellors on bus, train, launch during the Eid journey.  The government has opened the Padma Bridge to motorbikes for the benefit of young people.

The situation on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur is better than the last few years.However, since this morning, there are crowds of home-goers at various important points including Chandana intersection on the highway and the pressure of vehicles is also very high.To keep the movement of vehicles smooth on the highway, the road is being monitored round the clock with the deployment of additional traffic police at important points including Chandana, Bhogra Bypass intersection, Board Bazar, and Station Road.There are certain routes with fewer vehicles and more commuters. Many said they have to wait for a long time for buses, and taking advantage of this, transport workers are charging extra fare.Buses on the Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Sherpur, Netrakona and other routes are charging about one and a half times more than usual fare, they complained.Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (traffic) Mohammad Alamgir Hossain said, about 1,000 traffic police personnel, APBN members and rover scouts have been deployed in three shifts to maintain normal traffic conditions on the highway during this year's Eid journey.Special monitoring is going on to prevent unfit vehicles from plying the road. Some tow-trucks have also been kept ready at different points of the highway.

If the highway renovation work in Sirajganj is not completed soon, there are chances of massive traffic jam, and homebound Eid holiday makers would have to endure extreme difficulties. As construction work on the highway continues, district police have identified 14 high-risk areas. Proposals have been submitted to the authorities concerned for the renovation of 20 bridges spanning about 51 km of the Chandaikona highway from the west side of the Bangabandhu Bridge to Hatikumrul. There is risk of severe traffic congestion at the 14 high-risk points. Every year before Eid, all the vehicles carrying homebound commuters pass through the Bangabandhu Bridge-West Highway. As a result, there is extra pressure on this highway. Read More: Advance sale of train tickets for Eid travellers starts Friday It is expected that the roads on this route will be repaired by the second week of this month. Bus and truck drivers, in particular, say that if the work on the highway is completed, there will be relief during Eid journey. People of 16 districts of north Bangladesh use this highway to go home from Dhaka during Eid. Every day, 16,000 to 20,000 vehicles use this highway, and during Eid, 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles ply it. Work is underway to widen and repair the four-lane highway – connecting the west side of the Bangabandhu Bridge. It has already caused traffic congestion and slow movement on the highway. Besides, the north lane of the newly constructed Nalka Bridge has been opened, but the Dhaka-facing lane has been closed. Traffic is moving through the risky old bridge. The contractor, Akhter JV Project’s Manager Ekhlas Uddin said that discussions have already been held with the Sirajganj Superintendent of Police. Read More: Special train service on Joyedbpur-Panchagarh route for RMG workers for Eid: BR On the highway, potholes will be repaired soon. New four-lane roads have been opened in different parts of the highway. Officials of the local Roads and Highways Department said the renovation work on the risky points on the highway has been supervised. Badrul Kabir, officer-in-charge of Hatikumrul Highway Police Station, said two rounds of discussions were held among the district police, officials of SASEC-2, and officials of the contractor company. They have assured to complete the repair work soon. On the occasion of Eid, 10 mobile teams and 16 picket teams will work on the highway. In addition, mikes and digital sign will be installed. Sirajganj Traffic Inspector (Administration) Salekuzzaman Khan said they spoke to the district police regarding ensuring smooth flow of traffic before Eid. There will be 15 to 18 mobile teams on the highway. Work has already started to ease the traffic congestion. Senior police officials mentioned that arrangements have been made to make the Eid journey of the homebound people uninterrupted. Read More: Eid journey: Nat’l Committee demands bike ban on highways for 9 days

Bangladesh's National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways today (April 03, 2023) demanded a ban on motorbike movement on all highways for at least 9 days before, during and after Eid. The organisation also called for taking strict action to stop the movement of three-wheelers and charging extra bus fare on all inter-district roads, including highways, during Eid travel. The national committee President Haji Mohammad Shahid Mia and its general secretary Ashis Kumar Dey made this call in a statement. Besides, leaders of the civic organisation demanded to stop the movement of unregistered, defective and unauthorized vehicles on all roads and highways of the country. Read More: National Committee for taking action against lakhs of illegal vessels They also urged Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to strengthen the operation of mobile court and law enforcement agencies, including police, to implement these demands. Emphasizing safe and hassle-free Eid travel, the statement said that the number of motorcycle accidents across the country is increasing at a geometric rate. Motorcycle accidents accounted for more than 40 percent of all road crashes last year. There is a fear of more mishaps during the Eid season due to the long-distance commute on these two-wheelers. Small and unsafe vehicles slow down larger vehicles like buses and trucks on highways and inter-district roads, the statement said. This increases the risk of accidents and traffic jams. Despite the government ban, various types of three-wheelers including battery-powered rickshaws and numerous locally made vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon, Bhotbhoti and Alam Sadhu are plying the highways and inter-district roads across the country. Read More: National Committee for reducing metro rail fare by 50% Citing examples from the near past, the statement of the national committee alleged that on many roads, various transport companies charge commuters one-and-a-half to double the fare on every Eid trip. As a result, bus owners and workers earn extra money, but general people are suffering financial losses.

Bangladesh Railway will start selling advance train tickets on April 7 for Eid-ul-Fitr, said Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on Wednesday. Nine pairs of special trains will run on different routes to ease journey of home-bound people during Eid, he said at a press briefing at the Rail Bhaban. Advance train tickets for April, 17, 18,19,20,21 will be available on April 7, 8,9,10, and 11 respectively while the selling of return tickets will begin from April 15, he said. Among the nine pairs of special trains—Chattogram Eid Special 1 and 3 will run on Chattogram-Chandpur-Chattogram route and Chandpur Edi special-2 and 4 and Dewanganj Eid Special-5 will run on Chandpur-Chattogram-Chandpur route, Dewanganj Eid Special 5 and 6 will run on Dhaka-Dewanganj-Dhaka route, Mymensingh Eid Special-7 and Mymensingh Eid Special-8 will run on Chattogram-Mymensingh-Chattogram route, Eid special 9 and 10 will run on Sylhet-Chandpur-Sylhet route. Also read: Eid-ul-Azha: Advance train ticket sale begins on July 1 All the trains will be available four days before the Eid-ul-Fitr and five days after Eid. Meanwhile, Sholakia Eid Special 11 and 12 will run on Bhairab Bazar-Kishoreganj-Bhairab Bazar route and Sholakia Eid Special 13-14 will run on Mymensingh-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh route on Eid day.  

Bangladesh witnessed 398 deaths on roads in 319 accidents in just 15 days during journey before and after Eid-ul-Azha this year. The accidents and deaths recorded on Bangladesh roads during Eid-ul-Azha were highest in the last 7 years, according to a report prepared by Jatri Kalyan Samiti, a passenger welfare organization. The report was presented by director general of the organization Mazammel haque Chowdhury Tuesday at a press briefing in the capital. Like every year monitoring cell of the organization prepared the report on accidents during Eid trips from July 3 to 17.  According to the report in 2016, some 248 lives were lost on roads in 193 accidents. From 2017 to 2021, every year the numbers of deaths remained between 250-300 while the number of accidents between 200-250. Mozammel haque Chowdhury said,” As there was no Covid-19 related restrictions this year the number of people travelling during Eid increased. Some 1.2 crore people left Dhaka during the Eid vacation while four crore more travelled between different districts.” During the same period, 25 people were crushed under trains in separate places. In 10 maritime accidents, 17 people died, 15 sustained injuries while three went missing. Jatri Kalyan Samiti prepared the report monitoring news published in widely circulated and credible national dailies, local newspapers and online. Read:3 bikers killed in Manikganj road crashes