2024-03-22 11:27:14
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has ordered to increase the vigilance on the movement of three wheelers as well as motorcycles to avoid road accidents during Eid Yatra.
He gave this order in a discussion meeting with stakeholders to ensure safe and smooth Eid journey at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) building in Banani of the capital on Thursday (March 21).
Obaidul Quader said, we are still worried about the accident. There is no end to this accident. Here three wheelers, reckless driving of motorcycles, accidents happen all together. Therefore, the safe road project should be implemented quickly. If we keep cool, accidents will happen. Everyone should fulfill their responsibilities without placing blame in this regard.
The Bridge Minister said that these three-wheelers and motorcycles are the biggest nuisance on the road during Eid Yatra. A policy needs to be made here. These movements have been banned on 22 roads and highways. But, it is not working. The capacity of highway police and BRTA should be increased here. If this is not the case, then no matter how many decisions we make, it is difficult to implement them.
Obaidul Quader expressed his anger about the movement of Lakkar-Jhakkar vehicles in Dhaka city. He said, there are many factories making these cars in Dhaka city. I saw it myself. Applying paint to the car, these colors don’t last even 10 days.
The bridge minister said, how modern are private cars and cars in this Dhaka city. Buses cannot be overlooked in this city. Cars plying in Mofswal and Chittagong are better than this. These flashy cars of Dhaka city put our development achievements to shame.
He urged the car owners to bring their cars in good condition and not show people on the occasion of Eid.
During the exchange meeting, 155 places with potential traffic jams were identified during Eid Yatra. However, the minister gave special importance to a few places and said that Eid is fixed in two places, everything is fine. It takes more time to cross the flyover than the time it takes to come from Feni to Hanif flyover in Dhaka. Here is a but. But whether it is created here to increase the toll, it has to be seen. And some places including Chandra in Gazipur, the west bank of Bangabandhu Bridge have to be fixed.
He said, North Bengal is the original. There will be no problem in Chittagong. Stop work on Sylhet road for a few days. Otherwise the rain water and the bricks and sand of the road under construction will all become one. I am seeing the matter myself in Gazipur. Seven flyovers are being opened at the intersection. There is no significant traffic jam in Gazipur.
Obaidul Quader said that there will be traffic jam if there is pressure of vehicles, it is not appropriate to claim that there will be no traffic jam at all.
The minister called upon the concerned to keep the station open for five days before and after Eid to keep traffic normal during Eid. He also said to hold a meeting with the concerned parties to resolve the traffic jam.
The Minister of Road Transport said that those who take excessive fares will be warned in advance even though there is monitoring to stop the extra fares during the Eid trip. It is not possible to completely stop transport extortion, he said, but it has to be controlled.
Obaidul Quader emphasized on keeping 22 roads and highways safe. In this case, he expressed his anger on many public representatives. He said that some public representatives will allow three wheelers to run on the road. So much pity for the poor! But, how many people lost their lives due to this. Life first or livelihood first? Life first, livelihood after, this education should be learned.
Obaidul Quader said that three days before Eid and the next three days, trucks, covered vans and lorries should be stopped on the highway. Only vehicles carrying essential food, garments, fuel, medicines will run here.
In the exchange meeting, the participants presented their opinions and recommendations to make the Eid journey comfortable and smooth. In the exchange meeting, compensation checks were handed over to the families of the five people who died in the accident.