Traffic gets smoother, motorcyclists slam ban

Vehicle traffic on the Padma Bridge was much smoother on Monday compared to the previous day. However, hundreds of bikers blocked a toll plaza at the Zajira point in Shariatpur for around 20 minutes, protesting the temporary ban on motorcycles plying the bridge.

The bikers had taken up positions near a toll plaza around 1:50pm, and blocked the road because they were no longer allowed on the bridge. The Bangladesh Army personnel managed to disperse the protesters after 20 minutes without any untoward incident.

Speaking to The Business Post, several motorcyclists complained that they can no longer cross the Padma Bridge on ferries as this particular service has been suspended, and they cannot cross the Padma Bridge without carrying their bikes using a pickup van.

The biker stated that they had blocked the road near a toll plaza to protest the ban on motorcycles getting onto the bridge.

Meanwhile, the overall situation was comparatively normal at the bridge’s Mawa side. Law enforcers stationed in the area turned away many motorcyclists attempting to cross the River Padma using the bridge.

Bangladesh Army patrol units have been deployed to uphold law and order on the Padma Bridge. The troops were seen patrolling the bridge to enforce the government decision of banning motorcycles and pedestrians from travelling on the bridge and taking photos.

Driver fined for illegal parking

A mobile court has fined the driver of a private car at the Mawa side for parking illegally on the Padma Bridge. Executive Magistrate Ashraful Kabir fined the driver named Fakhrul Alam Tk 1,000 around 1.30pm on Monday.

“Six youths, including the driver from Cumilla, came to see the Padma Bridge. Alam was taking a selfie after stopping the private car in the middle of the bridge,” said the executive magistrate.

Be more responsible, Quader urges travellers

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader – in a statement on Monday – requested travellers to be more responsible while crossing the Padma Bridge.

Terming the Padma Bridge a very important national infrastructure and a major asset of Bangladesh, Quader said, “It is the responsibility of all of us to protect its security and stability.”

Owners and workers of launches and speed boats that used to ply on Shimulia-Banglabazar-Majhirkandi routes voiced their frustration over the future of their business following the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.

Seeking anonymity, a speed boat driver said, “I have yet to make a single trip today [Monday]. I will end up selling the boat if this situation continues in the coming days.”