DHAKA, Apr 01 (V7N) — Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam announced on Wednesday that the government is set to revamp national road management strategies for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, drawing lessons from the experiences of this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr journey.

Speaking at the inauguration of a tree plantation program on the Madani Avenue connection road near the Purbachal 300 Feet Expressway, the Minister highlighted the unique logistical hurdles expected in the coming months.

The "Double Challenge" of Eid-ul-Azha

Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam emphasized that the pilgrimage for Eid-ul-Azha (expected around May 27, 2026) will be significantly more complex than the recently concluded Eid-ul-Fitr.

  • Outward Flow: Approximately 15 million people are expected to leave the capital to celebrate with their families.

  • Inward Flow: Simultaneously, an estimated 10 million sacrificial animals will be transported into Dhaka from across the country.

"Managing this dual traffic—people moving out and livestock moving in—requires a more robust and disciplined road management system to prevent congestion and ensure safety," the Minister stated.

Second Jamuna Bridge and Infrastructure Expansion

To permanently address the connectivity issues between the capital and the northern districts, the Minister revealed that the government is actively considering the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge.

  • Feasibility Study: A primary study is currently underway to determine the most viable location for the new structure.

  • Current Capacity: While the existing Jamuna Bridge is being upgraded to six lanes, its current capacity remains a bottleneck during peak festival periods.

  • Target Timeline: Preliminary plans suggest the government aims to complete a second Jamuna bridge by 2033 as part of its long-term "master plan" for regional connectivity.

Environmental Priority: 5 Crore Trees This Year

Inland from infrastructure, the Minister underscored the government's commitment to environmental sustainability. The tree plantation drive launched today at Madani Avenue is part of a massive national initiative.

  • National Goal: The government has set a target to plant 5 crore (50 million) trees this year, with a broader goal of 25 crore (250 million) over the next five years.

  • Highway Greening: A significant portion of these will be planted along national highways and roads to create green corridors and improve the country's forest cover.

  • Survival Rate: The Minister urged officials and the public to ensure that at least 80 to 85 percent of the saplings survive through proper maintenance and community involvement.

The event was also attended by State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, who noted that ensuring a "liveable Bangladesh" is a cornerstone of the administration's development agenda.

END/SMA/AJ