BNP rides on quota reformists, students

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DHAKA, Aug 2, 2018 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul
Quader today said BNP has ridden on the movement of quota reformists and
students as the party has no capability of staging a movement in the country.

“The BNP has ridden on quota reformists and students agitating for safe
roads as the party has no strength, courage and ability to stage movement, ”
he told reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan
Shringla at his ministry office.

Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said as BNP now has no
other way it will depend on quota reformists and agitating students.

The minister said though the BRTC buses have been plying the streets,
vehicles on the roads are relatively less. “We’ve talked to transport owners
and leaders … they are not bringing out their vehicles in fear of
vandalism,” he said.

The minister said that common people are facing troubles due to the
student’s demonstration, adding, “We have discussed with transport owners and
workers aimed at removing sufferings.”

Replying to a query about students demand, Quader said all their demands
have been incorporated in the proposed Road Safety Act. “Once the Act is
implemented, road accidents would be reduced and traffic jam will be eased,”
he said.

Quader said there will be a provision for the pedestrians in the proposed
Road Safety Act.

Regarding the traffic rules for the students, he said education ministry
also has responsibility so that the students obey by the traffic rules.

Quader hoped that the draft act will be approved in the next cabinet
meeting for the public interest and it will be passed in the Jatiya Sangsad
later.

“The law will help bring discipline on roads,” the minister said.

Asked about the demands of the students regarding road safety, Quader
said the act will have all the solutions. “The draft act is being prepared
for its enforcement … there will be no benefit, if you don’t apply the
act,” he said.

“If there is an act then it has a legal binding to apply,” Quader added.

Replying about meeting with Indian High Commissioner, he said the Indian
envoy visited his ministry for discussing some matters. “We sit sometimes
because we’ve some road projects under the Indian Line of Credit (LoC).”

The minister said the construction work of the four-lane road from
Mainamoti to Brahmanbaria, Sarail, Akhaura and Agartola of India will begin
on August 29.

Quader said the Indian high commissioner handed over an invitation letter
on Global Summit to him. “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to
inaugurate the two-day summit beginning on September 7,” he said.

The minister said he wanted to know from the high commissioner about the
citizenship status of about 40 lakh migrants in Assam.

“He (high commissioner) replied that it was a court order …. Then it’s
yet to be finalized and none would be deported right at this moment,” Quader
said.