No jail term or fine under Transport Act in 1st week: Quader

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said no jail term will be awarded or fine realised in the first week under the Road Transport Act, 2018 for violating rules.

"We'll enforce the law fully after giving them some time. A campaign is underway across the country to make people alert about the law," said Quader, also general secretary of Awami League. 

He came up with the remarks while addressing a programme orgranised by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in Signboard area of Siddhirganj on Dhaka-Chittagong highway. 

The much-talked-about Road Transport Act came into effect on Friday as the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry issued a notification on October 22 in this regard.

The 'Road Transport Bill-2018' was passed by parliament on September 19, 2018, keeping a provision of maximum five years' jail for any death or serious injuries caused by reckless or negligent driving.

Talking about the newly-passed Road Transport Act, 2018, he said as it is a new law and many people are not aware of it. All concerned, including transport owners, workers and Highway Police, have been informed about it, he added. 

Turning to the ongoing drive, he said anti-corruption drive inside Awami League will also be carried out at the district level.

"Steps would be taken at each unit of AL associate bodies where corruption, terrorism, extortion, drug and land grabbing would be found. The administration is also under surveillance," said Quader.

Asked about BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's demand for neutral election he said, "If the election had not been neutral why they participated in it. Currently, their seven elected MPs are in parliament," he added.

Roads and Highways Department Additional Chief Engineer of Dhaka zone Abdus Sabur, Deputy Commissioner Md Jashim Uddin, Superintendent of Police Harun ur Rashid were, among others, present.