Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has directed authorities to coordinate preparations across road, rail and waterways to ensure safe and hassle-free travel during the five-day Durga Puja holiday.
He also ordered strict measures against excessive fares, passenger harassment and ticket black marketing.
The minister issued the directives while chairing a meeting at the Road Transport and Highways Division in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon to ensure safe and smooth travel during the festival.
He said all necessary measures must be taken to ensure the peaceful celebration of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.
With passenger traffic expected to rise during the five-day holiday, the minister urged authorities to remain vigilant and make the best use of existing resources and experience to ensure safe, comfortable and uninterrupted journeys.
He stressed that excessive fares, passenger harassment and other untoward incidents must not spoil the festive atmosphere, calling on all concerned to perform their duties responsibly.
The meeting reviewed preparations to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic, including measures to curb excessive fares, launch special bus services by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), keep sufficient ferries ready and conduct mobile court drives to prevent irregularities.
Authorities were also directed to deploy adequate law enforcement personnel at bridge toll plazas.
The minister instructed officials to carry out temporary repairs on key roads around Dhaka to keep them traffic-worthy. He also ordered the introduction of three pairs of special trains on the Dhaka–Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar routes, based on passenger demand, and additional coaches on other routes.
Measures to prevent ticket black marketing were also discussed.
The meeting emphasised preparations to manage crowds and traffic during idol immersion ceremonies and ensure security across road, rail and waterways.
State Minister for Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division Habibul Rashid, and State Minister for Shipping and the Bridges Division Md Rajib Ahsan, attended the meeting as special guests.
Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Shipping Ministry Secretary Zakaria, and representatives of relevant government agencies, bus owners’ associations and the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust were also present.
The minister urged all relevant agencies to work in close coordination and discharge their responsibilities effectively, expressing hope that Durga Puja would be celebrated peacefully and holidaymakers would enjoy safe and comfortable journeys.
