Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has expressed his sorrow to the homebound passengers for sufferings during their journey on the highways ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Obaidul Quader admitted that many passengers have suffered a lot on Dhaka-Gazipur and Dhaka-Tangail highways due to incessant rains and low-speed cattle-laden vehicles.
He also directed the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to take action against the public transport, which are charging extra fare from passengers and violating conditions.
The minister issued the directives at a press conference held at his official residence in the capital on Tuesday, reports BSS.
About the COVID-19 situation, Quader said experts warn that the coronavirus situation may further reach an alarming level in the country if people are not aware of it.
He said all should stay in their respective safety zones to prevent coronavirus so that the Eid journey cannot turn into a journey of grief.
The road transport minister urged all to wear masks and avoid gatherings at shopping malls, bus and launch terminals, rail stations, ferry ghats and cattle haats.
Noting that the consignments of COVID-19 vaccines are coming in the country one by one making all propaganda false, he said the age limit for mass inoculation has been minimised and people of all ages will be brought under vaccine coverage gradually.
Calling upon the country’s people to keep trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Quader said her visionary leadership has already been tested during any crises and disasters.
Thanking BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for taking the COVID-19 vaccine, the Awami League general secretary said although BNP leaders carried out various propaganda against the vaccine from its very beginning, Begum Zia finally took the vaccine shot.
Mentioning that Sheikh Hasina always stands by the people during all crises, the AL general secretary said: “The BNP leaders always look for safe passages and stay away from people if they see any crisis.”