Most road accidents caused by unskilled drivers, faulty vehicles: Minister Rabiul
He also blamed public unawareness and the movement of all types of small and large vehicles on the same roads as major causes behind frequent accidents
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today (17 May) said most road accidents in Bangladesh occur due to unskilled drivers and faulty vehicles.
He also blamed public unawareness and the movement of all types of small and large vehicles on the same roads as major causes behind frequent accidents.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a cheque distribution and public awareness programme on road accident prevention at the Rajbari municipality auditorium, organised jointly by the district administration and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
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Referring to the recent bus sinking incident at Daulatdia ferry ghat, the minister said driver incompetence, negligence, reckless behaviour and unfit vehicles were responsible for the tragedy.
He said the government has undertaken a Tk2,800 crore project with financial support from the World Bank to reduce road accidents.
Under the project, around 60,000 drivers will be brought under training programmes, he said.
Regular activities, including driver training, eye tests, blood pressure checks and drug screening, would be conducted to improve road safety, he said.
He also urged all to be more careful and aware, as the government is moving forward with all necessary plans to prevent accidents.
Speaking at the programme, State Minister for Road and Transport and Bridges Ministry, Habibur Rashid, said ensuring road safety has become a demand of the time.
"Development becomes meaningful only when people remain safe. Discipline must be restored in the transport system and road management," he said, urging all concerned to work responsibly and take coordinated initiatives to prevent accidents.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Rajbari-1 MP Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom said there is no alternative to constructing a second Padma Bridge on the Daulatdia-Paturia route to reduce accidents.
Noting that movements for the Padma Barrage and another Padma Bridge have continued since 1994, he also said that the Padma Barrage project has already received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
He also sought the minister's cooperation in implementing the second Padma Bridge project, considering the needs of the neglected and underdeveloped people of the region.
