Construction work to be outside purview of ‘strict lockdown’: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said that construction of infrastructure will be kept outside the purview of "lockdown".

He instructed everyone to follow hygiene rules and wear masks at all times.  

Obaidul Quader said this at an exchange meeting with engineers of the Roads and Highways Department this morning. He joined the meeting virtually from his residence.

The road transport minister instructed to move ahead with the construction work before the onset of monsoon.

He said the roads will remain empty as there is a ban on public transport during the lockdown starting from April 14, so damaged roads will have to be repaired at this time to make it suitable for traffic.

The minister also directed to complete paper work of projects which are planned to be taken up now so that the construction work can be started as soon as dry season arrives.

The minister urged the concerned to give top priority to the work of upgrading the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar road to four lanes.

He said the project to upgrade the Dhaka-Sylhet highway to four is a long-term demand of the people of Sylhet.

The minister called for solving the process of acquisition of land during the implementation of the project or before commencement of work.