‘More people dying in road crash than epidemic’
Prominent rights activist Sultana Kamal yesterday said road accidents have become frequent in the country due to lack of good governance, accountability and responsibility among the government, transport owners and workers.
She compared deaths in road accidents to fatalities caused by epidemic.
“People are dying on the roads every day. More people are dying in road accidents than in epidemic, which shouldn’t happen,” said Sultana, also chairperson of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
She made the remarks at a discussion on passengers’ rights -- organised by Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, a passenger welfare platform -- at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
The platform arranged the event to announce September 13 as “Passenger Rights Day”.
About the current state of passengers’ rights, Sultana, citing a recent report, said about 10 to 15 people die in road accidents every day across the country.
“If any of our family members goes out, why should we have to worry about their safety? When women travel, they don’t know whether they will be able to reach their destination without being raped or harmed,” she added.
“Who will take responsibility for this current state of affairs? Everyone is blaming each other to avoid responsibilities. Lack of good governance is the reason behind this,” said the rights activist.
She alleged that the government has no control over institutions and administration, while transport owners do not have control over the workers.
Sultana Kamal also suggested stopping bus operations based on trips, banning unfit vehicles and strictly implementing traffic rules.
About generating public awareness, the former adviser to a caretaker government alleged that the Awami League-led government has “utterly failed” to encourage civic sense among people.
“We have turned into subjects… The prime minister doesn’t give us permission to speak freely. If we speak our mind, it’s like feuding with the king,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, lawmaker Mayeen Uddin Khan Badal said VIPs violate traffic rules more than general people.
“Those who formulate laws are flouting them, which is frustrating,” added Mayeen, also the chairman of Jatri Kalyan Samity’s advisory committee.
He also said no prime minister or president in developed countries block roads for their movement, causing public suffering.
Mayeen urged the government to keep footpaths free and make those pedestrian-friendly.
Noted journalist Abu Sayeed Khan, Ganasamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki and Jatri Kalyan Samity Secretary General Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the discussion.
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