Three-phase garment holidays to reduce Eid travel congestion

The government has taken extensive preparations to ensure safe and smooth journeys for people heading home for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Under a special plan to reduce pressure on roads, railways and waterways, garment workers will have staggered holidays in three phases.

The decision was announced by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam at a press conference after a preparatory meeting on Eid travel management at the ministry on Monday, May 11.

Passenger pressure will be much higher than usual this Eid, and weather forecasts indicate a possibility of rainfall, the minister said. Garment workers' holidays will be staggered in three phases to reduce simultaneous exodus from Dhaka and other major cities, helping to ease traffic jams on highways.

A special surveillance system will be in place to ensure road safety during Eid travel. A total of 69 mobile courts will be operational across the country to enforce traffic laws and control irregularities.

Strict monitoring will be in place at Sayedabad, Gabtali, Mohakhali and Fulbaria bus terminals. Special vigilance and monitoring teams will also be deployed at key points to prevent overcharging, overloading, and irregularities in transporting goods.