Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Friday expressed optimism that this year’s Eid-ul-Azha journey will be comfortable and smooth despite the immense challenge of transporting a huge number of passengers and sacrificial animals within a short period.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a cheque distribution programme for families of road accident victims at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The event was jointly organised by the Cumilla district administration and the Cumilla circle of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

At the programme, compensation cheques worth a total of BDT 4.89 crore were distributed among the families of 86 people killed, and 33 injured victims of road accidents.

Under this initiative, families of the deceased received BDT 5 lakh each, while the injured received between BDT 2 lakh and BDT 3 lakh each.

The minister stated that transporting nearly 2.5 crore people along with sacrificial animals within a limited time remains a major challenge during Eid-ul-Azha every year.

He acknowledged the systemic hurdles but remained hopeful for the festive period, saying, “Due to limitations in the country’s infrastructure and transport system, Eid travel often becomes difficult.

However, with public cooperation, awareness and favourable weather conditions, we hope this year’s Eid journey will be smooth and comfortable.”

Rabiul Alam also shared updates on the country's infrastructure layout, announcing that work is currently underway to expand the vital Dhaka-Chattogram Highway into a 10-lane corridor, while development activities are continuing on other important highways across the country.

Referring to broader national road safety concerns, the minister revealed that around 4,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually on average.

Pointing out the root causes of these fatalities, he noted, “Driver inefficiency, unfit vehicles and lack of public awareness are the main reasons behind accidents. The government has taken various initiatives to reduce these incidents.”

The high-profile event was also attended by State Minister for Railways, and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, Cumilla-6 lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque, and BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman.

With Inputs from UNB