100 bikers get free helmets in Joypurhat
NGO rewards them for having valid papers
Law enforcers in Joypurhat yesterday gave free helmets to motorcyclists who had valid papers and driving licences to raise awareness on road safety and encourage bikers to follow traffic rules.
On Saturday and Sunday, district police and BRTA officials conducted a drive to check papers and licences of motorcyclists at different roads of the district town.
After the drive on Sunday, Joypurhat's unit of Nirapad Sarak Chai organised and held the programme at Zero Point of Joypurhat at around 12:00pm. Motorcyclists, who were found carrying updated documents during the drive, were invited at the event and presented with gifts for following traffic rules.
Superintendent of Police in Joypurhat Rashidul Hassan was the chief guest of the event.
Amongst others present were Bedarul Islam Bedin president of Joypurhat District Bus and Minibus Owners Group and also convener of Joypurhat's Nirapad Sarak Chai; Selim Hossain, officer-in-charge of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station; and Munir Hossain, traffic inspector in Joypurhat.
SP Rashidul handed over helmets to 100 motorcyclists. He also gave each of the bikers a flower and a sapling for carrying valid documents and licences.
Speaking at the event, Bedarul said they organised the programme to raise awareness among people about the importance of valid registration papers, drivers' licences, and the use of helmet for safety, especially for motorcyclists.
“Helmets are a lifesaving necessity”, he said.
Rashidul, in his speech, said law enforcement alone is not enough to bring an end to unethical practices on the roads until citizens do not change their mindsets and begin following traffic rules.
He urged the people to cooperate with them.
Aminal Islam, a biker, was happy to receive a free helmet for carrying his registration papers and licence that he updated from BRTA in Joypurhat. He, however, admitted that he never bought a helmet due to negligence.
“It is an uncommon initiative. I have never seen anything like it! I believe such initiatives will inspire more people to follow traffic rules,” he said.