The Minister for Road Transport and Shipping, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, has issued a stern ultimatum to the transport sector, vowing that any unauthorised fare increases during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr period will be met with “severe and uncompromising” legal consequences. Speaking during a high-profile inspection of key infrastructure projects in Narayanganj on Saturday, 28 February 2026, the Minister made it explicitly clear that the government will not tolerate the exploitation of home-bound commuters.
Ensuring a Seamless Eid Exodus
Accompanied by State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib and senior ministerial officials, the Minister toured several critical sites, including the Narayanganj Terminal and the construction site of the Khanpur ICT and Bulk Terminal. His itinerary also featured a visit to the new terminal building at the Narayanganj river port, a project currently being financed by the World Bank.
Minister Alam expressed his optimism regarding the safety and comfort of this year’s holiday transit. To prevent the perennial issue of gridlock and lawlessness on the highways, he confirmed that a multi-agency security apparatus would be deployed across the country’s most vulnerable transit points.
“We are committed to ensuring that the journey home is both comfortable and secure. Wherever irregularities occur, or where traffic discipline falters, immediate intervention will be taken.” — Sheikh Rabiul Alam
Strategic Oversight and Agency Coordination
The Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy involving various law enforcement and maritime safety agencies to maintain order throughout the festive rush. This coordinated effort aims to address both road safety and the reliability of riverine transport.
| Agency | Primary Responsibility | Focus Area |
| Traffic Police | Highway Management | Major intersections and toll plazas |
| River Police | Vessel Safety | Overcrowding prevention at launch terminals |
| Coast Guard | Maritime Security | Coastal and major river routes |
| Road Transport Auth. | Fare Monitoring | Mobile courts at bus terminals |
Environmental Stewardship of the Shitalakshya
Beyond transport logistics, the Minister addressed the deteriorating environmental health of the Shitalakshya River. Acknowledging the alarming levels of pollution, he stated that his ministry would formally brief the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He further noted that his own department had identified specific internal measures to curb industrial and domestic waste runoff within its jurisdiction, promising swift execution of these remedial actions.
As the nation prepares for one of its busiest travel seasons, the Minister’s message remains unequivocal: public welfare and the rule of law will take precedence over private profit.