The decision to allow motorcycles on the Padma Bridge will be taken after the installation of CCTV cameras and speed guns, says State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.
He made the remarks while speaking to the media at a programme on Tuesday.
“After the installations are complete, a new decision will be taken,” he said, adding that the ban on motorbikes is not indefinite.
The government banned motorcycles on the bridge following a fatal crash on Sunday, the first day the bridge was opened to the public.
Following the move, bikers have been protesting the decision and resorted to crossing the bridge carrying the vehicles on pickup vans.
Responding to queries on launch owners lamenting the loss of passengers, he said: “You cannot be disappointed in just three days.”
“The 10,000km river route was created for a reason, spending thousands of crores,” he said adding that the government has plans for the route.
“I think in the future passengers will enjoy the launch journey,” he said.
The state minister said that ferries from Mawa terminal will operate as per people’s demand.
“We did not stop ferry services in the Padma River after the opening of the Padma Bridge as currently six ferries are operating on the route. As per the government decision the ferry operation will continue,” he said.
