Dhaka: Vehicles carrying goods have been banned on the highways for during the Eid holidays for ensuring smooth travel of homebound people.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday at the BIAM in Dhaka with Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader in the chair.

According to the directive, lorry, truck and covered van will stay off the major highways of the country three days before and after Eid-ul-fitr.

The LGRD and Cooperative Ministry organized the meeting for ensuring hassle-free journey of homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid vacation.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, Railway Minister Mujibul Haque, State Minister for Local Government Moshiur Rahman Ranga, State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Haque and Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Ajam Nasir Uddin attended the meeting, among others.

The meeting decided to suspend construction work of Magbazar Flyover of the capital seven days before and three days after the Eid and all kinds of earth digging work at the city corporation area before 10 days of the Eid.

The law-enforcing agencies were asked to take stern measures to check setting up of any kind of market on road and highways, illegal parking and unlawful toll collections.

Quader said the government is taking all kinds of steps for ensuring smooth journey of homebound people as like the previous two Eids.

He said a control room with phone no - 9113133 and 01966622019 will be set up three days after and before Eid for ensuring safe journey of the people.

Shipping minister said the government has taken highest cautiousness to check ticket blackmailing and excess passengers on launches. 'But we need cooperation from the passengers as well in this regard,' he said.

Railway Minister said advance railway ticket will be available from 9 July and special train service will be available seven days before and three days after the Eid.