Stop unfit vehicles on highways before Eid

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS) yesterday urged the government to take necessary measures so unfit vehicles are not allowed on highways during Eid rush.

BJKS, an organisation campaigning for passenger rights, made the demand at a human chain formed in front of Jatiya Press Club.

Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, secretary general of the organisation, said a huge number of unfit vehicles ply the highways during the Eid rush and cause tailbacks on the roads when those break down.

Such vehicles often cause accidents as well, he added. 

Some 278 people were killed and 848 injured in 205 road accidents during the Eid-ul-Fitr rush last year, Mozammel said urging government to take special measures for curbing road accidents ahead of the Eid this year. 

He said 3 lakh unfit motor vehicles, 5 lakh battery-operated three-wheelers (easy bikes), 60,000 auto-rickshaws, 7 lakh battery-run rickshaws, 2 lakh locally made vehicles and 5 lakh motorbikes are plying the national and regional highways across the country, resulting in traffic congestions.

Communist Party of Bangladesh central leader Ruhin Hossain Prince demanded government action against extortion and collection of extra payment from holidaymakers.