Awareness, training, infrastructure must

Public awareness, regular training for drivers and necessary infrastructure are the prime prerequisites for preventing road accidents, said discussants at a roundtable.

Prothom Alo in association with Nirapad Sarak Chai organised the roundtable titled "Ways to Prevent Road Accidents" at the daily's office in the capital yesterday.

State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan said not only the government, but everyone should act sincerely to check accidents.

The government is planning to set up CC cameras at different spots in Dhaka city for better management of traffic system, he said, adding, "We will take all necessary steps for the development of highway police."

For compelling the people to obey traffic rules, relevant laws must be enforced properly, said Asaduzzaman, focusing on regular training and health checkups for drivers.

Popular film actor Ilias Kanchan, also chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai, demanded establishment of a government department that will coordinate among different ministries for ensuring road safety.

He also screened a documentary that showed around 18,500 people die and around 4 lakh are injured annually in road accidents in Bangladesh.

Mili Biswas, additional commissioner (traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, demanded construction of more foot bridges and underpasses at different important spots.

Shamsul Hoque, former director of Accident Research Institute of Buet, focused on repairing engineering faults of highways.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Director Moshiur Rahman claimed that road accidents have reduced by around 53 percent from 2008 to 2013.

An article on prevention of road accidents has been sent to the education ministry to be included in school text books, he informed.

Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation General Secretary Osman Ali said several lakh of drivers were operating vehicles without licence due to a lack of government monitoring,

Shafiqul Islam, police super (highway) of Gazipur zone, demanded more technical and manpower support for discharging their duties smoothly.

Prothom Alo Associate Editor Abdul Quayum moderated the function, while Brac Director (road safety) Nazmul Hossain, World Health Organization's National Consultant Moniruzzaman, Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Samity Secretary General Khandaker Enyet Ullah and Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association Secretary General Mozammel Haque also spoke.