Sheikh Robiul Alam, the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Maritime Transport, has assured that no extra fares will be levied, nor will there be any opportunity for extortion on the roads during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr travel period. The government, along with relevant authorities, will actively monitor the situation to ensure compliance.
The minister made these remarks on Thursday afternoon at a press conference held in the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division at the Secretariat, following a meeting on Eid travel arrangements. Present at the meeting were the ministry’s two state ministers, officials from various departments, and leaders of transport owners’ associations.
“During Eid travel, no unethical collection of money will be tolerated,” the minister said. “However, if owners’ or workers’ associations legally collect funds for welfare purposes, this will not be considered extortion. Such contributions are meant for the welfare of the members themselves.”
He also cautioned, “If any association or organisation illegally collects money from owners or workers, it will be deemed extortion. Any complaints in this regard will be addressed immediately.”
To ensure the safety and comfort of travellers, the relevant agencies in the road, rail, and maritime transport sectors, together with owners’ and workers’ organisations and law enforcement agencies, have conducted coordinated meetings and implemented an effective action plan.
The minister highlighted the scale of the challenge: “In the two to three days preceding Eid, nearly 15 million people will begin travelling from Dhaka and other cities. This is a significant logistical challenge, but all departments will remain more vigilant than ever and will ensure smooth travel through coordinated preparation.”
Regarding fare regulation, he warned that any collection exceeding the approved rates—even by one taka—will lead to action against the transport operators, including possible cancellation of route permits. Law enforcement, highway police, and mobile courts will intensify oversight.
He further stated that temporary roadside stalls, illegal parking, and battery-operated vehicles will be strictly regulated on highways. Vehicles that are unfit or broken down will not be allowed on the roads. Ongoing repair work is to be completed swiftly, and garment factories will stagger holidays to prevent excessive congestion. Additionally, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) will deploy extra buses if required.
Eid Travel Preparedness at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Passengers | Approximately 15 million |
| Monitoring Agencies | Highway Police, Mobile Courts, Law Enforcement Agencies |
| Special Control Measures | Temporary stalls, illegal parking, battery-operated vehicles |
| Additional Transport Support | BRTC buses, coordination with owners’ and workers’ associations |
| Route Permit Policy | Permits may be cancelled if fares exceed the regulated rate |
| Vehicle Regulation | Broken or unfit vehicles prohibited on roads |
Through these measures and vigilant oversight, the government aims to ensure a safe, comfortable, and orderly Eid travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.