DHAKA, Aug 22, 2019 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul
Quader today said a taskforce will be formed soon to take effective steps to
prevent road accidents across the country.
“Road accidents reach an alarming level. A taskforce will be formed soon to
take effective steps to prevent accidents on roads,” he told reporters at the
Secretariat here while a committee formed to strengthen discipline in road
transport sector and find ways to prevent road accidents submitted its report
to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.
Committee chief and former shipping minister Shajahan Khan handed over the
report to the road transport and bridges minister. Moshiur Rahman Ranga, MP,
was present on the occasion, said a press release of the ministry.
Replying to a question, Quader, also Awami League General Secretary, said
the government is sincere to enforce the Road Transport Act-2018.
“Works are underway to formulate rules to enforce the law. Talks continue
with stakeholders in this regard,” he said, hoping that the law would be
enforced soon.
In February this year, the 15-member body was formed at the 26th meeting of
National Road Safety Council, asking it to submit its recommendations by
March 10 for preventing road accidents and bringing discipline on the roads.
The committee gave 111 recommendations to this end.
Quader said these recommendations will be placed at the next meeting of the
National Road Safety Council on September 5 next. “No more delay. We want to
start implementation work as soon as possible,” he added.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Md Nazrul Islam, columnist
Syed Abul Maksud, cultural activist Rokeya Prachi and Additional Inspector
General Police (IGP) Barrister Mahbubur Rahman (chief of Highway Police),
among others, were present at the meeting.