DHAKA, Nov 7, 2019 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today directed the authorities concerned not to file any case under the Road Transport Act-2018 in the next seven days.
“As the law came into effect on November 1, one week’s time was given for creating mass awareness on the law. Now the time has been extended for another week (till November 14) for the same reason. And after that the law will be strictly enforced,” he told reporters at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in the capital after a meeting.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said before going to enforce a harsher law properly, time should be given to create awareness among the commoners about the law. Besides, he said, the formulation of rules on the new transport law is now at final stage.
Once the new transport law is enforced strictly, it would be possible to bring discipline on roads, he said. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked for bringing discipline on roads and all concerned will have to work following her instruction.”
A massive campaign on the new law has been carried out across the country aiming to make people aware of the law, while media is also playing an important role in this regard, the road transport minister said.
Replying to a question about the delay in enforcement of the new transport law, Quader said: “Batter late than never…all the ministries concerned were involved. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also expressed her expectation”.
He said if any BRTA official is involved in graft, he or she would not be spared. “We will do everything necessary to free it (BRTA) from corruption,” he added.
The influence of brokers on the BRTA must be checked, the minister said, adding it will be freed from brokers.
Responding to another question, he said Awami League is not thinking of other parties now, as it is busy with making itself free from intruders.
During the meeting, Quader exchanged views with officials at the BRTA office to discuss the Road Transport Act-2018.
On October 22, the Road Transport and Highways Division issued a gazette, stating that the Road Transport Act-2018 would be effective from today. Parliament had passed the act in September last year, replacing the Motor Vehicle Ordinance-1983.