One of the holiest religious festivals of Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr, is only a few days away from now. On this occasion, every year, a huge stream of people descend from the cities of the country to the villages to celebrate this festival of joy, reunion and love. Those who are away from their families all year round in the busy city life, rush to their villages to spend time with their loved ones during Eid. As a result, the country creates the biggest passenger traffic scene of the year around Eid, which is commonly known as Eid journey. This journey is not just a journey, it is a reflection of people's emotions, love and family ties. People who are difficult to meet at other times of the year, meet in their own backyard during Eid. But this joyful journey often becomes a cause of suffering, anxiety and unwanted accidents. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the state, transport authorities and citizens to ensure that the Eid journey is safe, comfortable and smooth.
As Eid approaches, people are busy heading home from big cities including the capital. Long queues of people can be seen at bus terminals, railway stations and launch ghats. Many people wait for hours for tickets. Some are forced to travel at their own risk due to excessive crowding. The scene of traveling as extra passengers on the roof of a bus, at the door of a train or on the deck of a launch is almost familiar to us. In such situations, the risk of accidents naturally increases. Almost every year, news of deaths and injuries in road accidents is published in the media before and after Eid. In some cases, more than one member of a family loses their lives in an accident, which touches our hearts. The joyous journey then instantly turns into a tragedy. Therefore, making the Eid journey safe is not only an administrative responsibility, but also a humanitarian responsibility.
Land transport is the most widely used mode of transport in Bangladesh. As a result, the pressure of vehicles on the roads increases several times during Eid. A complex situation of long traffic jams, slow vehicles, unplanned stops and starts, and reckless driving is created on the highways. This is accompanied by various problems such as excessive speed, reckless overtaking, unfit vehicles and tired drivers. Many times, drivers are seen driving for long periods of time without stopping, which negatively affects their attention and efficiency. Again, many transport owners put pressure on drivers to make more trips quickly. This forces drivers to drive without adequate rest, which increases the risk of accidents manifold.
The responsibility of law enforcement and the relevant authorities is very important here. Issues such as controlling excessive speed on the highway, stopping the movement of unfit vehicles, verifying the licenses of drivers and regular surveillance must be strictly monitored. In addition, it is important to ensure effective traffic management to reduce traffic congestion on the highway. Sometimes, long traffic jams are created due to minor accidents or irregularities, which increase the suffering of passengers. These problems can be reduced to a great extent through proper planning and coordination.
To make highway management more effective, volunteers or support staff can be appointed at various important points along with the traffic police. At the same time, it is important to keep adequate ambulances and emergency medical assistance ready to conduct quick rescue operations in the event of an accident. Many times, the condition of the injured becomes more serious due to not getting quick treatment after an accident. Therefore, this issue also needs to be considered seriously.
Railways also play an important role in the Eid journey. Many passengers choose this route as traveling by train is relatively safe and comfortable. But since the number of trains is less than the demand, it is often difficult to get tickets. As a result, many people take the risk of standing on the roof of the train or in front of the door, which is very dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to start additional trains during Eid, ensure transparency in ticket sales, and maintain strict surveillance to maintain the safety of passengers.
It is also important to maintain order at railway stations and ensure safe boarding and alighting of passengers. If there is a separate support system especially for women, children and elderly passengers, their journey will be much easier. At the same time, it is also important to take strict measures to stop the black marketing of tickets.
Transport owners and workers also have no less responsibility. If they operate vehicles according to the rules, give drivers adequate rest and treat passengers humanely, then many problems can be easily solved. Complaints of charging excessive fares during Eid are also often heard, which increases the suffering of passengers. Transport owners must play a responsible role to stop such irregularities.
Proper use of digital technology can also be helpful in managing Eid journeys. Passengers can get many benefits by selling tickets online, providing advance information about vehicle schedules and providing updated information about traffic conditions. This will reduce unnecessary crowds and make it possible to travel in a more planned manner. At the same time, initiatives can be taken to increase awareness on social media.
Eid is a festival of joy. It is our responsibility to ensure that this joy is not diminished by any accident or suffering. A safe Eid journey means not only reducing accidents, but also creating an atmosphere of comfort and trust in people's minds. When a person can safely reach his family, then the joy of Eid is complete. A safe journey ensures the laughter, joy and peace of a family.
Therefore, a coordinated effort, strict supervision and awareness of everyone are needed to make the Eid journey safe and comfortable. If the government, administration, transport owners, drivers and passengers - everyone behaves responsibly, then the Eid journey will no longer be a symbol of fear, but rather a symbol of joy and comfort. Our hope is that this Eid, every person in the country will reach their destination safely and will be able to share the joy of the festival with their loved ones. Only then will the joy of Eid be truly complete, and the journey of people heading home will be a symbol of comfort and safety.
The writer is vice president, Chandina Press Club
