All refuelling stations on highways will remain open round the clock for seven days before Eid and five days after the festival to ensure uninterrupted travel during the holidays, says Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam.

“The government has ensured adequate fuel supply for public transport and instructed operators not to cancel or refund advance bus tickets, citing the fuel situation,” he said today (March 14) while speaking to reporters at the BRTC bus counter in Gulistan.

He said there was an attempt to refund advance tickets due to fuel issues. “We did not allow anyone to take advantage of the situation,” he said, adding that buses were departing on schedule and fares were being charged according to the approved rates.

The minister hoped that travellers would have a comfortable journey during the upcoming Eid.

He warned that transport operators would not be allowed to increase fares during Eid, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation.

The government has also taken measures to keep roads operational ahead of the Eid rush. He said roads are being repaired as much as possible to facilitate smoother traffic movement.

Authorities have also ensured that at least one lane remains open during construction.

In preparation for holiday traffic, officials have identified 260 locations across the country where congestion is likely.

Law enforcement agencies, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), district administrations, and transport authorities have been instructed to take immediate measures to prevent gridlocks at those spots, the minister said.