Take action against the culprits: PM

The Prime Minister's Office yesterday directed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to take legal action against those responsible for Sunday's road crash that took the lives of two college students and left several others injured.

It also directed the DMP and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to take action against under-age drivers and those who drive without licences, according to a press release issued from the PMO.

The directives came after a meeting at the PMO. The officials concerned from Road Transport and Highways Division, BRTA and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) attended the meeting presided over by Nojibur Rahman, principal secretary to the PM.

The decisions came as students took to the streets for the third consecutive day yesterday, protesting the death of the two students and demanding road safety.

A bus of Jabal-e-Noor Paribahan ploughed into a crowd waiting for transport near the Airport Road flyover ramp in the capital's Kurmitola, killing two students of Shaheed Ramiz Uddin Cantonment College on Sunday.

At least nine others were injured.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave instructions to take tough actions against those responsible for Sunday's accident, reports UNB.

He added that they would not be spared no matter how powerful they were.

The minister was talking to journalists at his secretariat office. Earlier, he visited the family members of Dia Khanam Mim, one of the two killed in the crash.

At Dia's home in Mohakhali's Southpara, Asaduzzaman consoled her family members.

“The prime minister has expressed deep grief and sorrow at the death of the two students. I have conveyed her message and assurance to the deceased's family during my visit,” he said.

The two buses involved in the incident were seized, the drivers and helpers were arrested, and action would be taken against them after investigation, he added.

About the PM's instructions on road safety, he assured the government was taking measures to improve the capital's traffic system, which would help bring down the number of road accidents and improve road safety.

About the protests by students and the consequent traffic jam in the city, he said the government supports the students' demands and that they have the right to speak out and protest.

“As the government is looking into the issue with great sympathy and taking tough steps against the responsible persons, I hope they will go back to their studies soon.”    

He said his ministry was planning to take up a special project on Dhaka's traffic titled “Safe Dhaka”, through which every vehicle would be monitored by CCTV cameras to help identify road traffic offenders.

Replying to a query about the possibility of Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan influencing the trial process against the persons responsible, the home minister said, “I don't think it will work… [They] will get due punishment.”

END CONFLICT OF INTEREST: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday demanded strict enforcement of law and bringing an end to long-standing conflict of interest of the stakeholders to prevent road accidents.

In a statement, it also called for ensuring transparency and accountability of the officials of the road transport ministry, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and transport leaders and workers.   

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the sector must be freed from the conflict of interest.

BCB EXPRESSES SORROW

Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday expressed sorrow over Sunday's accident and called upon drivers of public transport and other motor vehicles to drive responsibly.

In a media release, BCB President Nazmul Hassan said, “This tragic incident has touched the hearts of everyone in this country. On behalf of my board, I extend our profound sympathies to the families who have lost their dearest ones. We also pray for prompt recovery of the injured.”