Allowing motorcycles on Padma Bridge before Eid unlikely

It is unlikely that motorcycles will be allowed to ply on the Padma Bridge before the ensuing Eid-ul-Azha, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said.

He disclosed the decision at a briefing at the Secretariat after a virtual cabinet meeting on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting. The prime minister joined the meeting virtually from Ganabhaban while the cabinet members from the cabinet room at the Secretariat.

Asked whether motorcycles would be allowed later or not, on the Padma Bridge, the cabinet secretary said, “They (authorities) are working on it.”

A number of close circuit cameras will be installed across the bridge with artificial intelligence. Speed guns are also being installed. When these devices are installed, they will decide based on a consensus, on what can be done, he pointed out.

Anwarul said it is very difficult to happen before Eid.

The Bridge Division under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Bridges has banned the operation of motorcycles on Padma Bridge from 6am on June 27 until further notice.

Following the opening of the bridge for traffic on Sunday, thousands of enthusiastic people, especially motorcyclists thronged the site, causing long queues at the toll plaza.

Meanwhile, a youth was arrested on Sunday for allegedly removing nuts and bolts from the railing of Padma Bridge.

Following the incident, the Bridge Division imposed restrictions on the movement of curious people on Padma Bridge saying that some curious people are allegedly descending the bridge from motor vehicles and stealing these valuable goods and equipment.