Discard plan for separate VIP lane: Sujan

Terming the proposal for a separate VIP lane on the existing city streets unconstitutional and discriminatory, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) on Wednesday called upon the government to discard the plan.

Sujan made the call in a statement signed by its president M Hafizuddin Khan and secretary Badiul Alam Majumder.

The civil society platform also said such a proposal is a clear violation of equal opportunity stated in the constitution and utmost misuse of power.

A few days ago, the Cabinet Division has proposed introducing a separate 'emergency lane' for uninterrupted movement of Very Important Persons (VIPs) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.

According to the proposal, ambulances, fire service, and vehicles of law enforcement agencies and other emergency service providers would also use the dedicated lane.

However, in the statement, Sujan said in a democratic country, there would be no chance for a citizen to become a VIP.

Sujan leaders said, "We think, the concept of a separate lane is to provide unconstitutional and unethical facility to the VIPs and law enforcers which is incompatible to practices of democracy."

They also hoped the government will not encourage such a proposal as it will not be acceptable to the people of the country due to the move's unfair and unlawful nature.

That type of plan might encourage the powerful people to act unethically, through a challenge to traffic management and increase public sufferings, the statement added.

Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTSA) is currently creating public opinion on the proposal that was sent to Road Transport and Highways Division from the Cabinet Division.

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