Don’t damage vehicles, return to classroom: PM to students
Asking the students demonstrating on the streets to return to their educational institutions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said they should not be damaging vehicles.
"Please don't do this, please get back to your respective educational institutions, engage in studies… Those responsible (for the recent deaths on the road) will surely face punishment, they have been identified," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this while inaugurating a mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the premises of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and laying foundation of Joyeeta Foundation Tower in Dhanmondi.
The programme was arranged at Osmani Memorial Auditorium while the Prime Minister joined it virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
"A new wave of coronavirus is coming. If it hits (the country), the educational institutions will be closed. So, go back to your educational institutions and concentrate on your studies," she reiterated.
Hasina said those who are responsible for vandalising and torching vehicles will also be identified and punished. "If anyone dies in such a vehicle (vandalised and torched), if anyone is burnt, tough punishment will be meted out. We need to keep this in mind," she warned.
About the recent road accidents, the Prime Minister said law enforcement agencies are well aware and alert and the culprits have been held already -- going over video footage.
The Prime Minister urged all to remain cautious and careful on the roads and strictly follow traffic rules. "There are assigned places to cross roads. If people try to cross the road erratically, accidents will happen. A moving vehicle cannot stop abruptly," she said.
She came down heavily on those who always block roads, damage vehicles and set vehicles on fire after any accident instead of helping the victims get treatment fast.
"There are passengers -- children and students -- in those vehicles that are set on fire. If anyone is hurt, burnt and they die, who will take the responsibility?" she questioned, adding, "the attackers have to take the responsibility."
The law enforcement agencies should take steps regarding this, too. "I request everyone, please don't take law in your hands."
Hasina also asked the drivers to drive vehicles with utmost caution. "Ours is a densely populated country. Naturally, when you want to drive here, you have to receive proper training."
Terming the death of a student very painful and regretful, the Prime Minister said that she was unable to understand the mystery of two deaths by two garbage trucks of Dhaka south and north city corporations.
"What's the reason? Those responsible for this must be identified… Why should a person walk just in front of a garbage truck? Whether the persons driving the vehicles have the skills to drive must be ascertained as well," she said.
Women and Children Affairs Minister Fazilatun Nesa Indira, Joyeeta Foundation Managing Director and Bangladesh Shishu Academy chairperson Lucy Enam, and Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Md Sayedul Islam also spoke at the programme.
Two videos were screened at the programme on the mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Joyeeta Foundation Tower.