DMP issues emergency guidelines for Eid travel

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a public notice with guidelines for traffic management during Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure smooth journeys for homebound people. The notification was issued on Thursday, March 12.

From March 17 to March 23, trucks, covered vans and lorries must remain off highways, though vehicles carrying essential items like food, medicine, fertiliser and fuel are exempt. From March 16, other vehicles are advised to avoid key roads including Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, Dhaka-Aricha Highway, Dhaka-Keraniganj Road, Dhaka-Mawa Highway and roads leading to major terminals, using alternative routes instead unless on urgent business.

Buses must pick up and drop off passengers only at terminals or authorised stops, not on roads. Overcharging, mistreating passengers, selling the same seat to multiple people and carrying passengers on roofs are strictly prohibited. Drivers must obey speed limits, avoid reckless driving and not use mobile phones while driving. Driving without a valid licence or with unfit vehicles is banned, and owners cannot compel drivers to drive more than five consecutive hours.

Passengers should board only at designated terminals, keep luggage in their custody, use foot overbridges or zebra crossings to cross roads and avoid boarding moving vehicles.

For emergencies, contact terminal police control rooms or national emergency service 999. DMP is undertaking various measures to facilitate the journey of over 1.5 crore people leaving Dhaka during Eid.