Chittagong police will not check permits of vehicles on highways until Eid

Chittagong police will not check permit of vehicles on the highways until Eid to ensure uninterrupted and safe journey for holidaymakers.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Superintendent of Police AKM Hafiz Akhter after the law enforcers went into a huddle with a delegation of transport owners and workers at his office.
 
Transport operators reportedly claimed in the meeting that they faced undue harassment in the name of such checks.
 

They also complained about conditions of Dhaka-Chittagong Highway and demanded that CNG autorickshaws stay off the busiest inter-city road. 

The police official, however, warned that action would be taken against any vehicle found breaking the law.

He admitted that tailbacks were plaguing the highways every night and attributed it to the poor condition of roads.

Roads and Highways Department Divisional Engineer Zia Uddin said, “Potholes have been formed on the highway due to heavy rains in the last few days.”

“Renovations have already started under the four-lane expansion project. The work will finish within seven to 10 days and people returning home for Eid will not suffer.”

The SP also warned his subordinates against extortion on the highways, saying the force would have ‘zero tolerance’ towards such actions and promised steps against erring personnel.

The law enforcers, however, turned down the demand for barring autorickshaws on the highway, saying police would not take any decision that could cause public sufferings ahead of Eid.

He, however, promised steps against any autorickshaw found parked on the highway during the period.

Akhter urged transport owners and workers to be vigilant against robberies and accidents on the highways. 

“Owners and workers should be careful so that passengers do not fall prey to muggers at bus stands.”

He requested them to instruct drivers to follow traffic rules and drive safely.

The police official urged them to not charge extra fares and to take snaps of passengers before setting off on their journeys.