Motorcycles can ply on highways during Eid holidays

Staff Reporter :
No restrictions on the movement of motorcycles on highways except Padma Multipurpose Bridge (PMB) during holidays in this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, while the filling stations will remain open 24 hours for five days before and seven days after Eid.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said this while talking to reporters after a meeting on ‘to ensure safe and smooth travels of passengers on roads and highways’ ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr organised by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in the city on Sunday.
He said that the ongoing ban on motorcycle movement on the Padma Bridge would be in force, but the bikers can move other highways.
The Bridges Division secretary Monjur Hossain urged the Shipping Ministry to arrange ferry services during Eid to help the motorcyclists to cross the River Padma.
Earlier in 2022, the government banned motorcycles on highways and inter-district roads across the country from July 7-13 to prevent traffic accidents during Eid-ul-Azha.
The government also did not allow motorcycles registered under one district to go other districts during the same period.
Two motorcyclists were killed in an accident and 60 percent of the 61,836 vehicles crossed the Padma Bridge on the on June 26, 2022 when the bridge was opened to traffic.
The authorities on the same day banned motorcycles on the bridge until further order.
Meanwhile, Obaidul Quader asked all concerned, including public and private agencies, to work sincerely to make the people’s Eid journey smooth.
“You should perform your responsibilities properly so that people can reach their homes safely. This is my earnest request to you,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with different stakeholders including BRTA officials.
Observing that bringing discipline in roads and transport sector is one of the major challenges, Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said they have plans to upgrade roads and highways into six lanes or eight lanes at many other places.
Highlighting the experience of traffic congestion in Nabinagar and Chandra, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said a whole night was needed to pass the road there in the past but the situation has changed now.
“Many of our VIPs travel on the wrong side of roads during Eid. If they see a little traffic congestion, they go to wrong sides. If the VIPs do not follow traffic rules, what is the fault of the ordinary people?” he questioned.