Public reps backing unfit vehicles

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said many public representatives backed the operation of unfit vehicles across the country through underhand dealings.

"I made several steps to stop these unfit vehicles but all went in vain due to their interference" because there is bribery going on, he told a seminar.

On the back of this, the minister sought cooperation from the ruling Awami League leaders in stopping movement of unfit vehicles like Nasimon, Karimon and Bhatbati that he claimed were responsible for half of the accidents on highways.

The ruling AL's subcommittee on publicity and publication organised the programme, "Bangladesh is going forward: Visible development in communication sector", at the capital's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

"Our major weakness is that we failed to bring discipline in the transport sector," Quader said, requesting prime minister's adviser HT Imam, who chaired the seminar, and other party colleagues in attendance to look into the matter.

Imam said he would take the proposal to Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister.

Lawmakers, representatives of local government bodies like upazila and municipality as well as ruling party leaders control transport business in different districts, say transport operators.

Emphasising public awareness, Quader demanded inclusion of content on traffic rules in school curricula, while Imam called for re-introduction of the school bus system in the capital to reduce traffic congestion.

Noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud and Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Ilias Kanchan demanded that the government ensure road safety.

AL's Deputy Publicity and Publication Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil moderated the function.