The highways across Bangladesh are getting busy by the minute defying the BNP-sponsored indefinite nationwide transport blockade with long-haul carriers running under tight security.
bdnews24.com district correspondents from Rajshahi, Sylhet, Bogra, Kurigram and Benapole land port reported movement of inter-district buses and goods-laden trucks since Friday morning towards different destinations including capital Dhaka.
A government handout also said that at least 2,700 vehicles including bus, truck and covered van reached their destinations across the country under protections of the BGB and other law-enforcing agencies between Thursday night and Friday noon.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan also urged the transport owners and workers to not be scared. He said the government would provide them with any assistance they need.
State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Friday also urged them to operate buses on the long-distance routes during the blockade and promised them compensation for any damages to their vehicles.
After failing to lead anti-government protests in Dhaka, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Jan 5 called for an indefinite blockade of highways, railways and waterways across Bangladesh.
The number of arson attacks in Dhaka and elsewhere has increased.
Owners have mostly kept long-haul buses grounded fearing violence on highways although intra-city buses are operating.
Meanwhile, Chittagong City police officials said they were providing security to long-distance vehicles since the night of Jan 5.
They, however, said vehicles daring the blockade have started moving from Thursday night without their assistance.
