In preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, authorities have been directed to implement measures aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring strict law and order across the nation.

These directives were issued during a meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday to assess the overall law and order situation, ensure timely payment of salaries and allowances to garment workers ahead of Eid, and maintain safe and unobstructed travel on roads and highways.

Chaired by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the meeting was attended by senior officials from various law enforcement agencies, leaders of garment factory owners, and representatives of transport operators.

It was emphasized that comprehensive measures would be implemented to uphold law and order nationwide during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr period. In addition to uniformed police presence, undercover officers and intelligence personnel will be deployed to deter theft, robbery, extortion, and terrorist activities.

Police patrols will be intensified in major cities and diplomatic zones, with checkpoints established at key road junctions. Vigilance will be heightened against criminal elements in waterways, bus terminals, and launch stations.

RAB security patrols will be bolstered, and special nighttime security arrangements will be made for markets. To ensure safe travel, strict enforcement of passenger limits on buses, trains, and launches will be enforced, with legal action taken against violators.

Temporary law enforcement camps will be established at railway stations, bus terminals, and launch stations to address traffic congestion. Highway Police and RAB will collaborate with district police to mitigate traffic congestion, with CCTV cameras installed at key road sections identified by the Roads and Highways Department.

Furthermore, drones and highway rakers will be deployed, and extortion activities on highways will be rigorously suppressed.

During Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, fire service and civil defense teams equipped with rescue boats, divers, and firefighting equipment will be on standby for emergency response on highways and waterways. Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel will monitor border and maritime areas, ensuring swift intervention if necessary.

The public has been advised to contact the police hotline at 999 in case of emergencies. Law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant to prevent accidents or untoward incidents at tourist destinations during the holidays.

Factory owners were urged to ensure timely payment of salaries and allowances to garment workers, with assurances from industry associations to provide salary bonuses before Eid. Market and mall security will be enhanced to foster a conducive shopping environment.

Responding to inquiries regarding leave arrangements for garment workers, it was clarified that while a one-day holiday was initially proposed for April 9, it was subsequently cancelled by the cabinet. However, all public and private sector employees are entitled to take this leave from their accrued entitlement.

Decisions regarding leave arrangements for garment workers will be made through consensus between employers and employees, with banks and financial institutions remaining operational on specified dates.