Eid journeys might be hampered, Minister admits

Taking back track from earlier stance, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said another spell of rain might hamper the journeys of the homebound people, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, UNB reports.

“We will try our hardest to minimize the homebound people’s sufferings. Highways get damaged from the continuous rainfall despite several repairs. As a result, people might suffer a bit due to rain,” he told journalists while visiting Gabtoli Bus Terminal.

Earlier on September 15, he declared there would be no traffic jam caused by road conditions ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Though admittedly back then, the latest weather system causing the rainfall this week had not yet developed.

The minister said a direction has been given to the Roads and Highways Department to repair any holes there might be on the highways quickly.

Quader said the movement of trucks and heavy vehicles will be banned for three days before and after Eid, which will be celebrated on September 25. “But vehicles carrying sacrificial animals, rotten commodities and medicine will be outside the purview of the restriction.”

CNG stations will remain open round the clock for five days starting from September 21, so that vehicles can refuel at any time, the minister added.