DMP mandates traffic rules for ‘safe and smooth’ Eid journeys

The instructions come ahead of the weeklong Eid holiday, which starts on Monday

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has given a set of “special” instructions to public transport owners and workers, passengers and pedestrians to help ensure a safe and smooth journey during Eid-ul-Azha.

It issued a public advisory on Sunday in anticipation of an ever-familiar outflow of Eid holidayers leaving the capital before the second largest religious festival for Muslims, ahead of the weeklong break starting on Monday.

The advisory carries 23 instructions.

Instructions for Public Transport

1. Buses must depart from the terminal according to schedule

2. Passengers must not be charged extra fares

3. Passengers must not be mistreated or harassed

4. The same seat must not be sold to more than one passenger

5. Passengers must not be carried on the roof of the bus

6. Passengers must not be carried on freight and livestock vehicles

7. Vehicles must be driven within the speed limit, and must not be driven recklessly or at excessive speeds

8. Overtaking must not be done in prohibited areas, on road curves and narrow bridges

9. Vehicles must not be driven while under the influence of drugs, while drowsy or with physical illness

10. Vehicles must not be driven without a valid driving licence and updated documents

Must-dos for Passengers

1. Instead of standing on the road, they should go to the specified terminal or counter and board the bus

2. No food or drink offered by a stranger should be accepted

3. Belongings should be kept under their own supervision or responsibility

4. They should appear at the counter or terminal before the scheduled time of the journey

5. Footbridges, underpasses or zebra crossings should be used to cross the road

6. It is not allowed to get on and off a moving vehicle and travel as a passenger in a motor vehicle carrying goods or animals

What Pedestrians Should Do

1. Cross the road using zebra crossings, footbridges and underpasses

2. Avoid crossing the road while running or talking on a mobile phone

3. Use the sidewalk

In case of emergency, it is requested to contact the police control room of the terminal or the national emergency service number - 999.

Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on May 28.