Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun warned on Saturday that travel during Eid-ul-Azha could be more challenging than Eid-ul-Fitr due to the combined presence of regular passengers, homebound people, and sacrificial animal-laden trucks.
“Taking everything into consideration, we want to assure you that the government has made necessary arrangements,” said the police chief while talking with the journalist at Gazipur Municipality's Chandana Chowrasta after he conducted an inspection of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The IGP said that there have been high-level government meetings regarding Eid travels.
“Meetings have already been conducted with the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police Headquarters, and with stakeholders, owners, and workers in every district,” he said.
"We are all working together in unison. We hope to arrange timely arrivals at everyone's destination with everyone's cooperation again this year," he added.
The IGP mentioned that traffic management and law and order situation during the Eid-ul-Fitr were satisfactory.
Dhaka Tribune“Keeping that experience in mind, security has been arranged with engineers involved in road management, and meetings have been held with all those involved. District administrators have had meetings in each district. Law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure that ordinary people can reach their destination at the designated time,” he said.
"We hope that the Eid-ul-Azha travel will be more comfortable than Eid-ul-Fitr and that people will be able to reach their destination peacefully," he remarked.
The roads, once filled with potholes and in a dilapidated state, are now in a much better condition than before, thanks to significant development work by the government, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said.
The IGP, speaking about the security of the cattle markets, assured that round-the-clock security would be provided and noted issues of undue collection and extortion at these markets, affirming that stern actions would be taken against anyone who halts any truck or boat before it reaches its destination.
Warning potential extortionists, he said: "Do not engage in these activities. We will do what is required by law if you do. If any business owner, tenant, or cattle owner faces any problem, seek help from the local police. If there are no nearby police stations or personnel, call 999. Please cooperate with us, and we assure you of our assistance."
Addressing the issue of counterfeit money circulation and dormant parties, the IGP detailed several measures.
“Every market will have a machine for identifying counterfeit notes. We are ready to assist anyone if needed. Legal action is being taken, including arrests of those involved with counterfeit money. The police will also assist if there are problems with money transportation,” he added.