Extortionists’ syndicate biggest barrier: activists
A syndicate of extortionists, which has been “born and raised under political patron over the years”, is the major barrier to establishing discipline in the country’s transport sector, road safety campaigners said yesterday.
They demanded that the government take tough measures against the syndicate and start immediate implementation of the recently-passed “Road Transport Act 2018” to bring the road transport sector under discipline.
They placed the demands at a press conference, organised by Road Safety Foundation, a non-government organisation, at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the capital.
Saidur Rahman, executive director of the organisation, said road accidents and harassment of passengers are increasing at an alarming rate, due to severe mismanagement and indiscipline in the transport sector.
“The syndicate does not want discipline in this sector. If discipline is established, their extortion and corruption will be stopped. The more indiscipline exists, the higher is the illegal income -- it is their motto,” he said.
Authorities concerned on several occasions gave assurance and commitment to ensure road safety, but those never bore fruit, said Saidur in a written statement.
When any grievous road crash takes place, the government shows its activities. Then, after a few days, the situation returns to its previous state, he added.
Citing students’ safe road demonstrations last year, he said the government -- following the events -- promised to implement the Road Transport Act soon, but it is yet to happen.
Echoing Saidur, Supreme Court lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua said the government lacks intention in implementing the act, although it is very necessary.
AI Mahbub Uddin Ahmed, president of Road Safety Foundation; and Mizanur Rahman Khan, joint editor of Bangla daily Prothom Alo; also spoke at the programme.
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