Staff Reporter:
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has announced that all fuel pumps on high-ways will remain open 24 hours a day for seven days before Eid and five days after Eid to ensure unin-terrupted travel for people’s during the Eid holidays.
The minister made the announcement yesterday while speaking to reporters at the BRTC bus counter in Gulistan, after inspecting traffic conditions on the capital’s roads.
He was accompanied by State Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid and Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammed Ziaul Haque.
According to the minister, buses were departing on schedule and fares were being charged according to the approved rates, with no evidence of overcharging.
“The buses are leaving for their destinations at the specified time and no additional fare is being taken,” he said.
He added that the government has ensured adequate fuel supply for public transport and has instructed operators not to cancel or refund advance bus tickets citing the fuel situation.
“There was an attempt to refund advance tickets due to oil issues, but we did not allow anyone to take advantage of the situation,” he said, adding that all advance tickets remain valid.
The minister expressed optimism that travelers would enjoy a comfortable and people-friendly journey during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.
Regarding rail travel, the minister said efforts are being made to ensure smooth passenger transportation with the available coaches and manpower.
After visiting the railway station recently, he said he was satisfied with the management arrangements.
Responding to a question about possible phased fuel rationing at pumps, the minister said the public may receive “good news
He also warned that transport operators would not be allowed to increase fares or impose extra charges during Eid, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
The government has also taken measures to keep roads operational ahead of the Eid rush.
The minister said road repairs are being carried out as much as possible and construction materials have been removed from active work sites to facilitate smoother traffic movement.
Authorities have also ensured that at least one lane remains open where construction is ongoing.
In preparation for the holiday traffic, officials have identified 260 locations across the country where traffic congestion is likely to occur.
Law enforcement agencies, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), district administrations and transport authorities have been instructed to take immediate measures to prevent gridlocks at those spots.
