United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a series of security and traffic management measures including strict action against unfit buses to ensure smooth and safe travel from the capital to different districts ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.  “No unfit buses will be allowed on the roads. Immediate action will be taken if such vehicles are found operating,” Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar said at a meeting with transport owners and workers at Gabtoli bus terminal aimed at ensuring smooth and extortion-free Eid travel. Sarwar urged transport owners and workers not to operate dilapidated buses, noting that a single breakdown on busy routes often leads to severe traffic congestion. Carrying passengers on bus rooftops, overspeeding and allowing sick or unfit drivers to operate vehicles will also be strictly prohibited, he said. To assist passengers, help desks will be set up at major bus terminals where fare charts and bus schedules must be displayed. Authorities will take immediate action if allegations of overcharging, ticket black-marketing or passenger harassment are received, he added. The acting DMP Commissioner said an additional 800 to 900 traffic police members will be deployed at bus terminals, launch terminals and railway stations during the Eid period. Security at transport hubs will also be strengthened with the deployment of plainclothes police, members of the Detective Branch, the Counter Terrorism Unit, SWAT teams and dog squads. PM pledges united effort to build peaceful, safe Bangladesh, warns against division Mobile court teams led by magistrates will remain active to enforce traffic rules. Sarwar said the government has declared March 18 an additional public holiday to ease travel pressure, allowing people to leave the capital in a staggered manner. He said  between 1.5 million and 2 million people are expected to leave Dhaka daily between March 16 and 20 while more than 10 million people may travel from the capital to other districts during the Eid holidays. Meanwhile, around 2 to 2.5 million people are expected to enter the city. To ease congestion, the movement of trucks, lorries and covered vans on highways will be restricted for a period before and after Eid. Unnecessary cargo trucks from the port city of Chattogram will also be barred from using the highways during the peak travel period. Sarwar stressed the need for coordinated efforts among police, transport owners, workers and other relevant agencies to ensure safe and comfortable Eid travel for passengers. Among others, MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, President ofDhaka Road Transport Owners Association Saiful Alam Baten and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Abdur Rahim Box Dudu were present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast a rise in rainfall in parts of Bangladesh after March 18 which could disrupt travel and outdoor activities during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. According to the Met office bulletin issued on Saturday, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning are likely at a few places in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places in Rajshahi , Rangpur , Dhaka , Khulna,  Barishal and Chattogram divisions. Isolated hailstorms may also occur in some areas. The forecast, valid for the next 24 hours from 9 am Saturday. Besides, day and night temperatures across the country may fall slightly. It said a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal, influencing weather conditions in Bangladesh. The capital Dhaka experienced its first pre-monsoon thunderstorm with hail on Friday evening. Lightning flashes were followed by heavy rain mixed with hail, briefly disrupting movement in several areas. Many shoppers heading out for Eid took shelter under shop verandas and canopies while traffic congestion slowed commuters in parts of the city. Despite the brief disruption, the rainfall brought relief after a hot day, lowering temperatures and offering some comfort to residents. The Met office had earlier indicated that the season’s first pre-monsoon weather system, locally known as “Godhuli,” would become active from Friday night, initially affecting northeastern parts of the country. The government has declared March 18 a public holiday to help ensure smoother travel for people returning to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr. As a result, government officials and employees will enjoy a continuous holiday from March 17 to March 23.

A coach of Chattogram-bound Mohanagar Express train from Dhaka derailed at Brahmanbaria Railway Station late Saturday night, causing panic among passengers. Witnesses said four front wheels of the coach veered off the tracks with a big bang around 11:45pm and spread panic among passengers.  Several passengers were injured as they tried to get off hurriedly. Expressing concern over the situation, passengers said the authorities should ensure the use of well-maintained coaches, especially ahead of the Eid travel rush, to prevent potential accidents. Train derailment in Bogura: Communication resumes after 2 hrs Brahmanbaria Railway Station's Assistant Master Sakir Jahan said that the derailment occurred in the ‘Jho’ bogie while the train was entering the station, jolting the whole train. As the incident took place on a loop line, train services on both the up and down routes remained normal. Authorities at Akhaura Locoshed were informed to recover the derailed train, he added.