As millions prepare to travel for Eid-ul-Fitr, the familiar challenges of congestion, overcrowding, and safety risks resurface. While the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) new traffic guidelines -- such as designated routes and vehicle restrictions -- are a step forward, enforcement of these guidelines is where we have historically failed. Without stricter oversight, these measures may fail to ease the expected holiday gridlock.
Of course, traffic management alone isn’t enough. Overloaded buses, reckless driving, and poor road conditions are still issues which we need to contend with before every Eid. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and our law enforcement must crack down on unfit vehicles, overcharging, and speeding. Meanwhile, infrastructure gaps such as narrow highways and inadequate alternate routes only worsen delays and subsequently the miseries of holidaymakers.
Bangladesh has had several road and infrastructure projects in the offing for years, it is times such as Eid that we are reminded just how crucial it is for such projects to see completion within a reasonable amount of time. Of course, the recent decision to ban the movement of trucks, covered vans, and lorries on highways around the time of the holidays is sound, and must be lauded on the part of the relevant authorities.
To ease the burdens of Eid-time holidaymakers, a holistic approach is essential on the part of our infrastructure authorities and indeed our law enforcement as well. Digital ticketing and real-time transport updates can minimize passenger harassment, while authorities need to penalize the practice of fare gouging and ticket black markets.
