Thousands of people began leaving the capital on Thursday to return to their village homes in anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Bus terminals, railway stations, and launch terminals were crowded with homebound individuals on Thursday as many service-holders left work early ahead of the five-day Eid holidays.
The rush is expected to peak two days from Friday, with Eid likely to be celebrated on either April 10 or 11. If Ramadan spans 30 days and Eid-ul-Fitr falls on April 11, the holidays will be extended by an additional day.
Highway Police Chief Md Shahabuddin announced plans on Thursday, to deploy drones to monitor traffic flow on congested roads and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement during the upcoming Eid exodus.
"The drones will assist traffic police in alleviating the difficulties faced by home-goers," said Md Shahabuddin, additional inspector general of police. He made this announcement following an inspection of the Dhaka-Aricha and Nabinagar-Chandra highways earlier today.
"We will utilize body cameras, drone cameras, and CCTV cameras to monitor areas, particularly where traffic congestion is likely. We aim to provide traffic instructions based on the data received from the drones," he explained. "We anticipate that the Eid exodus will begin today and intensify over the next two days," he added.
Furthermore, Shahabuddin stated that construction materials have been cleared from the highways to ensure a smooth Eid journey. Construction work will only proceed in designated areas where enclosures have been established.
Addressing the issue of extra transport fare charges, he remarked, "Authorities have taken action against such practices, and strict legal measures will be enforced against anyone found collecting extra fare."
During the inspection, Dhaka District Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullahil Kafi, Savar Model Police Station OC Shah-Zaman, Ashulia Police Station OC AFM Syed, Savar Highway Police Station Officer Babul Akhtar, and senior officials of Highway Police were also present.
