Interim govt failed to ensure safe roads: Ilias Kanchan

Ilias Kanchan, the founder and chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai (Nischa), has expressed concern that although five months have passed since the formation of the interim government, no significant efforts have been made to ensure road safety.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of a traffic awareness campaign for students, held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the Jatiya Press Club today (19 December).

At the event, Ilias Kanchan spoke about his long-standing efforts for safer roads, reflecting on his journey in the movement.

"I started this movement back in 1993, and it was during my young time that I dedicated myself to it. I campaigned for four-lane roads and a dedicated highway police force. In 2010, I called for the introduction of a law to ensure road safety, but it wasn't until 2018 that the law was finally passed. The roads I fought for are the very ones you walk on today, and I am proud to have contributed to that progress," he said.

Kanchan also highlighted the importance of government and political support in making the movement successful. 

"Without the government and political leaders, it is impossible to make the safe road movement successful. We can raise demands, but the government will have to fulfill them," he added.

He expressed frustration with the lack of unity and coordination in addressing the issue, saying, "The government doesn't listen to the opposition here. Therefore, I had to struggle for 32 years."

The actor said in other countries, everyone unites on such issues, but not in this country. 

When the government passes a law, opposition leaders get involved with the labour leaders, and this cycle continues, he mentioned.

Kanchan commented on the role of the Ministry of Communications, questioning its effectiveness. 

"What is the role of the Ministry of Communications? Their job is to build roads. They are responsible for 24,000 roads, while local governments manage nearly two lakh roads. Do they see anything? They are sitting idle."

He also criticised the lack of coordination between different authorities, saying, "The City Corporation is supposed to manage everything in the city, but no one knows who is responsible for what."

Kanchan also raised concerns about the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating, "What is the Ministry of Home Affairs doing? There is no coordination."

Dr Kazi Mohammad Saifun Newaz, an Assistant Professor at the Accident Research Institute (ARI) of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), emphasised the importance of road safety campaigns, particularly for students. "The goal of this campaign is to reduce the death rate of students on the roads."

Citing global statistics, he said, "According to WHO, the highest death rate on the roads is among young people."

Dr Newaz suggested that schools and colleges, which already have many student clubs, should establish clubs dedicated to road safety awareness.

Nischa President Abdullah Mehdi Dipti, General Secretary Tanzid Mohammad Sohorab Reza were, among others, present.