Transport strike in Khulna illogical: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today termed as illogical the ongoing transport strike in Khulna division.
He made the remark while visiting a drive at National Eidgah gate against vehicles plying without fitness on city streets.
A transport strike has gripped Khulna division, including Chuadanga district, to protest against a court verdict of life-term imprisonment against the bus driver in the road accident case that claimed the lives of five persons, including filmmaker Tareque Masud and broadcast journalist Mishuk Munier.
Quader said the protesters have scopes of appealing against the verdict in High Court as well as Appellate Division.
"I suggested them (who are on strike) to utilize the scopes of appealing against the verdict. Now the irrational strike will only cause sufferings to common people," the minister said.
About the drive against vehicles plying without fitness, the minister said drives were conducted at three places in the city today.
Five vehicles have been sent to dumping and four persons have been given imprisonment in different terms, he added.
About the corruption case against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the Awami League general secretary said BNP leaders are making imaginary comments on the case. "I do not understand, why BNP leaders are considering (before verdict) that Begum Zia must get punishment in the case," he said.
The minister said court will decide whether the BNP chief should be given sentence or not.
About the remarks of BNP senior leader Barrister Moudud Ahmed that Khaleda Zia can take part in election even if she will be given sentence, Quader said "He is an experienced lawyer. He might think that if lower court gives any verdict against her (Khaleda), it will take time to get a final verdict of the case from High Court or Supreme Court (Appellate Division)."
"By this time, election will be held. So he (Moudud) made the remark on the basis of such realization," Quader said.
Replying to a question of journalists whether transport fare will be increased or not after the gas price hike, the minister said Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has a committee on fixing transport fare and it will decide after holding meeting with stake holders whether fare will be increased or not.
"Gas price hike makes an effect on transport fare. But, we have example that we did not increase transport fare even after gas price hike," he said adding that now he cannot say anything as the BRTA committee will decide on the matter after holding meeting with the stake holders.
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