TIB airs concern over move to amend Transport Act

FE Report

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed deep concern on Saturday over the move to amend 'Road Transport Act 2018' prior to its implementation, following pressure created by transport owners and workers.

The anti-corruption watchdog urged the authorities concerned to foil any such move that is contradictory to the prime minister's instruction to establish good governance, order and justice in transport sector.

It also pleaded the authorities not to be influenced by the pressure that is suicidal, contradictory to peoples' interest and unjust, a statement of the organisation mentioned.

The TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in the statement said as per the reports published in different media, the government's nod to accept the demands of road transport owners and workers will be defamation of the court and an anti-public interest move.

Especially, their demand to reduce punishment term in the act directly confronts with the court's order, he also said.

Besides, the demand for amending the clauses to make them bailable, easing financial penalty, and decreasing educational qualification for getting driving licence can never ensure public safety and establish good governance.

"It is comprehensive that the move to amend the law, following persuasion of the road transport owners and workers, aims at weakening it."

The law has been framed after a comparative analysis of similar laws existing in the neighbouring countries, he added.

The proposal to amend the law, which came into the limelight after students' protest to ensure road safety, is a ruthless example of ignoring their demands.

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