Keep the roads safe during Eid journey

Eid holidays began today, and the Eid journey started from yesterday afternoon. People from Dhaka are traveling in large groups to their villages. Unfortunately, news of road accidents has already started coming in. By yesterday afternoon, reports from the media confirmed that at least five people lost their lives in separate accidents in different districts.

Every year, road accidents significantly dampen the joy of Eid. The reasons behind these accidents are well-known to most people. Reckless driving, lack of awareness, driving at high speeds, and faulty roads are among the main causes.

This year's Eid holiday is long — 9 days. As a result, people won’t just be traveling to their villages but will also head to various tourist destinations. According to reports from Thursday (March 27), 75% of the roads and highways are in good condition. However, there are still concerns about chaos and traffic jams during the Eid journey. After the mass uprising, the police's lack of full activity has led to heavy traffic from battery-operated rickshaws on the roads. Road markets occupying the streets may also contribute to the difficulties. Dissatisfaction over wages and benefits in industries, along with road blockades during protests in recent months, have raised concerns about the Eid travel experience.

From Thursday afternoon, the bus stations in Dhaka were crowded, and travelers faced severe difficulties at places like Gabtali, Saidabad, Tongi, and Hanif Flyover. In these areas, thousands of battery-operated rickshaws and easy-bikes were seen on the roads leading to Dhaka, obstructing bus movement. Last year, Hanif Flyover also caused issues for passengers traveling to southern Bangladesh. Similar concerns exist this year as well. Last Eid, there was heavy traffic at the Padma Bridge toll plaza and Aricha Ghat; the same situation is expected again.

One of the main causes of road accidents in the country is the tendency to overtake. Drivers often overtake slower vehicles without signaling, which leads to head-on collisions with incoming traffic. Therefore, overtaking should always be done carefully and according to the rules. Another major cause of accidents is poor road infrastructure. Sharp bends on highways often prevent drivers from seeing oncoming vehicles, causing accidents. The placement of markets along the roads and the absence of overpasses are also significant factors in road accidents.

After the 9-day holiday, when people return to Dhaka or their workplaces in district towns, the same issues may recur. Therefore, to prevent road accidents, the authorities must take necessary actions, and both drivers and passengers need to show patience. Remember, nothing is more valuable than life. Everyone must remain aware and take care to ensure that the joy of Eid is not marred by accidents or risk to life. Keep the roads safe during Eid travel.