Road transport lacks discipline, says state minister for shipping

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said the country’s road transport system lacks discipline.

“In Bangladesh, we are facing many challenges, we even emerged victorious in challenges like [building] the Padma Bridge,” he said.

“However, it’s sad but true, we are experiencing many weaknesses regarding discipline in road transport,” he added.

The state minister made the comments while visiting Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) official Krishna Roy at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation in the capital.

Krishna, an official at BIWTC’s accounts section, lost her left leg after a bus ran her over at Banglamotor on Tuesday.

The state minister said a set of recommendations have been submitted for bringing discipline on roads.

Unexpected incidents like what happened with Krishna will not occur if discipline on road is reestablished through implementing the recommendations, he said.

Mahmud said it’s a matter of concern that the place where the incident occurred is designated for pedestrians.

It should be investigated whether there was any engine failure, whether the bus had fitness certificate or the driver was fit, he added.

Law enforcement agency members will investigate this and bring culprits under the purview of law, he further said.

On Krishna’s health condition, he said doctors were doing their best to provide her proper treatment.

Hopefully she will recover soon, he said, adding his ministry will provide necessary support to ensure her treatment, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned about the matter.

If necessary, Krishna will be sent abroad for treatment, he added.