Road accidents a man-made catastrophe
Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) yesterday expressed solidarity with the ongoing students' protest demanding safe roads, saying that road accidents have turned into a man-made catastrophe.
The teachers' body issued a statement in which they said that irregularities, extortion in transportation sector, traffic mismanagement and lack of proper implementation of traffic laws are responsible for such accidents.
Referring to some researches, it said that at least 4,284 people were killed and 9,112 were injured in road accidents last year.
“Unfit vehicles, drivers without license, vehicle owners focusing only on profits, and transport owner-labour associations' influence have created anarchy and put the transportation sector in a deep crisis. Concerned authorities have failed to play effective roles,” reads the statement.
The protest by these youngsters has brought to light these mismanagements.
“We consider their demands to be logical and urge the government to accept them. We ask the authorities to take immediate steps and request them to act more humbly,” it added.
They demanded that necessary steps be taken after finding permanent solutions to the problems, instead of taking temporary steps, adding that actions should be taken against those who are engaged in corruption and irregularities in the transportation sector.
The teachers also said that safe roads and commuting system can be ensured if the transport owners and drivers are compelled to abide by the laws through making road and transport management stricter.
They also urged the authorities concerned to generate public awareness and encourage people to use footpaths, footbridge, zebra crossing, and to abide by traffic rules.
Meanwhile, Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League yesterday brought out a procession demanding a safe campus. They also extended their support to the ongoing students' movement.
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