The government has prohibited motorcycles from plying on Padma Bridge although the two-wheelers are free to ply on other bridges of the country.
This is the first Eid-ul-Fitr after the opening of the Padma Bridge. In light of the publication of the draft Motorcycle Traffic Policy 2023, experts and riders are raising questions on what bikers will do during this Eid when they intend to cross the bridge on their bikes.
Authorities say the movement of motorcycles has been banned on the Padma Bridge to avoid accidents and keep the bridge safe. In the last eight months there was no discussion about allowing these vehicles on the bridge. No new decision is likely to come soon.
The Padma Bridge was opened to vehicular movement on the day after its inauguration on 25 June 2022. A large number of bikes crossed the bridge on the first day. In the meantime, two people were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that night. When a video of the accident went viral on social media, discussions on and criticism of motorcycles on the bridge began.
The next day, the government clamped a ban on the movement of motorcycles on the bridge.
Since then motorcyclists have been expressing their outrage over the decision, terming it unfair. According to them, if bikes can ply on Bangabandhu Bridge then there should be no problem in having them ply on the Padma Bridge either.
Sheikh Abdullah Al Mamun, a motorcyclist, told Bangla Tribune that he wants to cross the bridge on his bike and go to Jhalakathi during Eid vacation. “My friends are able to take bikes through the Bangabandhu Bridge. They are facing no problem. Therefore, why should we face problems while crossing the Padma Bridge,” he questioned.
Imran Sheikh from Bagerhat told Bangla Tribune that there is discrimination in the policies formulated by the government. The draft policy has been formulated to control the movement of motorcycles. He said: “The government is talking about building a smart Bangladesh, and at the same time it wants to stop the speed of bikes on the roads and highways!”
At least three officials of the Bridges Division told Bangla Tribune on condition of anonymity that motorcycles can cross the Bangabandhu Bridge but are prohibited in the case of the Padma Bridge as it is a milestone project of the government.
Many riders have the tendency to engage in racing on the bridge and so pose risks of accidents taking place.
Amirul Haider Chowdhury, additional director of the Bridges Division said: "No new decision has been taken yet. If a new decision is not reached, the current order will remain in force.”
Atiqur Rahman, assistant maintenance engineer of the Bridges Division, had nothing new to add to the current situation.
Meanwhile, the draft Motorcycle Traffic Policy 2023 is being formulated to reduce road accidents by regulating the movement of motorcycles on roads and highways.
A nine-member committee headed by Joint Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Department Anisur Rahman prepared the draft policy.
According to the policy, motorcycles will be banned on national and regional highways for 10 days before and after festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja.
Besides, the policy prohibits motorcycles below 126cc engine on the highway. The speed limit for motorcycles in the cities has been set at 30km per hour.
