Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday announced that metro rail services on the Agargaon-Motijheel route in Dhaka are set to begin operations in September or October.
The announcement came at a press briefing following the minister's inauguration of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project's Uttara House Building to Cherag Ali section (4.5km), now open for public use.
“Around 91% of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has been completed. The elevated portion of the project from the House Building to the Cherag Ali College Gate is 95% complete,” he said.
The entire project is expected to be finished by September or October at the latest, the bridges minister added.
Further enhancing the city's transportation system ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Quader confirmed that the BRT's Jashimuddin Road section near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) will be accessible for traffic to facilitate the increased volume of holiday travellers.
Furthermore, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway up to Tongi is due for inauguration ahead of the national polls, Quader said.
The construction of the Bangabandhu Tunnel in Chittagong has been completed and awaiting for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate, he said adding that around 100 newly constructed bridges are awaiting their official inauguration as well.
In an effort to ensure a smoother travel experience during Eid-ul-Azha, Obaidul Quader announced that cattle markets will not be permitted on public roads.
“Animal markets will be set up in designated areas in accordance with regulations to prevent any traffic congestion,” he said.
The authorities will be vigilant in enforcing these rules, promising a less obstructed journey for the public during the holiday period, the bridges minister added.
Turning to political matters, the bridges minister emphasized zero tolerance towards any "remote-controlled" actions directed by “political leaders in exile.”
The government will not permit any movements or activities involving such leaders to disrupt public order, he assured.
As for the opposition, Quader commented on the BNP's inability to mobilize significant movements to free their chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, stating that the party is in no position to topple the government.