Eid Travel to Be Comfortable Despite Challenges: Minister Rabiul

Bangla Press Desk:   Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Friday expressed optimism that this year's Eid-ul-Azha journey will be comfortable and smooth despite the challenge of transporting a huge number of passengers and sacrificial animals within a short period.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a cheque distribution programme for families of road accident victims at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The event was jointly organised by the Cumilla district administration and the Cumilla circle of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

At the programme, compensation cheques worth a total of Tk 48.9 million were distributed among the families of 86 people killed, and 33 injured victims of road accidents.

Families of the deceased received Tk 500,000 each, while the injured received between Tk 200,000 and Tk 300,000 each.

The minister said transporting nearly 25 million people along with sacrificial animals within a limited time remains a major challenge during Eid-ul-Azha every year.

"Due to limitations in the country's infrastructure and transport system, Eid travel often becomes difficult. However, with public cooperation, awareness and favourable weather conditions, we hope this year's Eid journey will be smooth and comfortable," he said.

Rabiul Alam also said work is underway to expand the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway into a 10-lane corridor, while development activities are continuing on other important highways across the country.

Referring to road safety, he said around 4,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually on average.

"Driver inefficiency, unfit vehicles and lack of public awareness are the main reasons behind accidents. The government has taken various initiatives to reduce these incidents," the minister added.

State Minister for Railways, and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid,

Cumilla-6 lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman were also present.