Like previous years, the government and transport operators came up with similar decisions yesterday to ensure safe and hassle-free journey of people ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

However, experiences suggest such decisions were rarely implemented in the past.

The measures include stopping the operation of unfit and outdated vehicles, removing roadside kitchen markets, punishing fare overcharges, setting up mobile toilets on highways, stopping extortion and crimes on highways, and haphazard parking.

The problems that the authorities plan to address are likely get worse when the rush will begin in a couple of days. The Eid is likely to be celebrated on July 18 or 19.

Several ministers, top government officials, law enforcers, transport operators, rights activists and other stakeholders discussed a detailed course of action at a meeting at Biam Foundation in the capital, organised by the road transport and bridges ministry.

The authorities also decided to keep the country's all gas stations open round the clock from July 10 to 19 and suspend the operation of trucks, covered vans, and lorries for three days before Eid and three days after it.

Helicopters, wreckers and ambulances will be kept ready to aid rescue operations in case of accidents.

A central control room will be set up to monitor the entire traffic management system. Anybody can call the control room's phone no. 9113133 and 01966622019.

Additional law enforcers will be deployed at different bus and launch terminals.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, "The homebound people will not face any trouble on highways. But it cannot be guaranteed that there won't be any traffic jam."

Addressing the meeting, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Huq requested the bus and truck owners to stop haphazard parking.

In response, the bus operators called upon the mayor to ensure proper management of the city's bus terminals and set up more terminals.

Transport workers' leader Osman Ali urged the government to stop extortion on highways and ferry ghats.

In response, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said leaseholders of ferry terminals were mainly responsible for extortion there. So, leasing of some terminals will be cancelled by July 1, he said.

Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque also attended the meeting.