Row Over Uber: Quader for practical solution

The government would reach a “rational” and “practical” solution with Uber, a smart phone-based on-demand transport service, over the latter's service in Bangladesh, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said yesterday.

“Discussions are on between BRTA [Bangladesh Road Transport Authority] and Uber. They have already held a meeting. I think the issue will be resolved,” he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.

Nirapad Sarak Chai, an organisation campaigning for road safety, organised the programme to mark its 24th founding anniversary.

“I told the BRTA to not reject the Uber service. But the service should be brought under a legal system. It will be welcomed if it can help ease the public transport crisis in the capital,” the minister said.

“It will not be wise to discourage Uber. We are talking about digital Bangladesh. It will be contradictory if we discourage a new digital initiative.”

Uber was gaining popularity among the commuters of the capital after its official launching on November 22. It  is an online platform that connects people to facilitate transportation through a mobile application.

Two days after the launch of the service, BRTA declared Uber illegal, saying the company did not take permission from the government for running the service in the country.

However, Minister Obaidul Quader on November 26 welcomed the service said said Uber needs to follow legal framework and systematic procedures to run the service.

On November 29, a delegation of Uber met the BRTA chairman and told him that they would submit a detailed plan of action on their service within three weeks.

“Further decision will be made after scrutinising Uber's proposals,” BRTA Chairman Nazrul Islam told The Daily Star on that day.

During yesterday's discussion, Moazzem Hossain, director of Accident Research Institute (ARI), said lax enforcement of traffic rules, flaws in the system of issuing driving licences, lack of training of drivers and unhealthy business competition among vehicle owners were the major reasons for the indiscipline in road transport sector.

Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Ilias Kanchan stressed the need for raising public awareness to ensure road safety.

Over a dozen road safety activists, among others, were present.