Reckless they all are

Some people's representatives are killing democracy with their reckless behaviour and indecent speeches in parliament, said Communications Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday.
It is like killing people by reckless driving, he said, adding, "People's representatives are turning democracy into a corpse by continuously hitting it with their reckless behaviour and distasteful speeches."
"So, a reckless public representative is no less dangerous than a reckless driver,” said Obaidul, while inaugurating a three-day workshop on enhancing drivers' skills and awareness organised by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB) at its office in the capital's Nagar Bhaban.
The minister's comment came after distasteful comments of lawmakers in parliament made on Sunday and Monday.
"We, who are assuming the driving seats of the country's politics, are reckless like reckless drivers. If we the lawmakers break laws, how will people obey the laws?" he said.
He also urged the public representatives and lawmakers to change their mentality and protect democracy.
Admitting that the government is far behind in gaining significant achievements to reduce traffic jam and accidents, he directed the officials related to road communication and road transport sector to work sincerely to end public sufferings.
"Our law enforcement capacity is weak because law enforcers remain busy dealing with political programmes. This is one of the major causes of indiscipline in the traffic system," he said.
He also admitted that there were many risky turns and speed bumps in highways that often cause accidents.
On training of drivers, the minister directed the DTCB and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) chiefs to arrange large-scale trainings at bus terminals instead of smaller-scale trainings inside rooms.
Obaidul called upon the drivers not to drive their vehicles recklessly.
DTCB Executive Director M Aftabuddin chaired the function, while BRTA Chairman Aiyubur Rahman, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Chairman MM Iqbal, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner (traffic) Mahbubur Rahman also spoke.
A total of 40 bus drivers were taking part in the workshop.