The government has extended the time for another week to execute the new road transport law.
"Extensive campaign and awareness are necessary. People must get idea on the law and punishment and must have awareness about how to keep discipline on streets," said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
Warning against punishment is more necessary than meting out punishment directly, he said while talking to journalists at the conference room of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) after a meeting with its officials on Thursday, the last day of the weeklong relaxation of Road Transport Act (RTA) 2018.
The meeting was organised to share experience after new chairman Dr Mohammad Quamrul Ahsan took office.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Nazrul Islam and Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways Department Ebne Alam Hasan were present.
The RTB minister said implementing the new law still presents a challenge to the government but all agencies concerned including BRTA can help execute it through their courage, honesty and commitment.
Quader said formulation of the rules for the RTA are now in final stage and will be readied shortly after necessary scrutiny by BRTA.
The RTA 2018 came into effect on November 01, more than one year after the parliament passed it.
Admitting that BRTA and other transport agencies have shortage of manpower and efficiency, Mr Quader, also general secretary of the ruling Party Awami League, said efforts have been made to increase manpower with new organogram.
Since the announcement of effectiveness of the RTA, there has been an upward trend in registration of licences.
He also warned BRTA officials of taking action if anyone is found guilty of corruption.
"All eyes are now on BRTA and you have to face hard times to go through the process," the minister said, calling upon them to work sincerely for stamping out middle men or syndicates from the BRTA.
The RTB minister also called for bringing back reputation of BRTA and other agencies by providing proper service to all stakeholders.
He said the level of punishment stated in the RTA will help bring disciplines on the streets. "Punishment is necessary. There is a link between punishment and discipline as people abide by rules fearing punishment," the minister added.
Replying to a question about lack of preparations by other agencies like city corporations on non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians' movement, Obaidul Quader said both the city corporation mayors will be informed of their necessary actions in the next meeting to be held at Dhaka Transport Cooperation Agency.
The secretary said BRTA has already held a meeting with all agencies concerned including highway police to work out on the ways and means for effective implementation of RTA.
Due to an increase in awareness level, he said, queues at all BRTA centres including Mirpur, Ekuria and Chattogram have doubled.
The new BRTA chairman said new working strategy has been adopted to bring the agency's image back.
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