Gazipur: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to repair all roads and highways by June 8 for smooth vehicular movement during the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

The minister issued the directive at a meeting on ‘Monitoring the condition of roads and highways and ensuring smooth journey for homebound people during the Eid’ at Kaliakoir in Gazipur, reports the BSS.

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Dewan Mohammad Humayun Kabir and officials concerned with roads and transport joined the meeting, among others.

The minister urged the members of law enforcement agencies, officials of Road Transport and Highways Division and local people to work together to prevent traffic jam and public sufferings during the Eid.

‘Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked to keep the roads and highways fit for vehicular movement,’ Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said, adding it is usual that there will be rains during the monsoon, but this cannot be an excuse to delay renovation activities.

‘Trucks, covered vans, lorries along with heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the highways three days before the Eid,’ the minister said and asked the garment factory owners to grant Eid holidays in phases to avoid traffic jam.

He assured taking immediate measures at places on the basis of necessity to ensure smooth vehicular movement on the highways.

Speaking about BNP’s participation in the next general elections, the minister said it will not harm democracy even if BNP does not take part in the next general elections.

‘But we want them to take part in the polls,’ Quader said, adding that elections will be held with the participation of other political parties, even if BNP does not take part.

Earlier, he visited the work for upgrading Dhaka-Tangail highway to four-lane at Chandra in Kaliakoir area of the district.