Experts call for review of road transport law

Experts on Tuesday suggested a review of proposed Road Transport Act with provisions for greater punishment and fines against traffic rules violators.
This will help curb road accidents and bring discipline in the transport sector, they said.
They also laid importance on the strict enforcement of the laws for helping reduce public sufferings and making all citizens, including the public representatives to abide by law.
The views came during an opinion exchange meeting on road accidents with experts and intellectuals held at the conference room of Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. Minister Obaidul Quader presided over it.
Architect and urban planner Mubasshar Hussein, Director of Accident Research Institute Mizanur Rahman, columnist Syed Abul Maksud and Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Ilias Kanchan spoke on the occasion.
Addressing the meeting, the minister said that there would be some changes or additions or omissions in the draft law while being passed in the parliament.
"What got from the cabinet is not final. There might be some changes when I will place the Bill during the next parliament session," he said
He told the meeting the law will be acceptable to people and they will get the benefit of the law expressing gratitude to the students. "I salute the teens. For them, the law sees the light early," he said.
Architect Mubasshar said anarchy in the road transport sector has reached such a level that no decision is found enforced and executed by the relevant agencies.
Time has come to evaluate and review why the directives of high-ups including the Prime Minister are not executed in the road transport sector, he noted.
He also said the implementation of the law is important to force all including ministers, lawmakers, and political leaders to be disciplined and learn lessons from their wrongdoings.
ARI Director highlighted different issues relating to accidents and chaotic traffic situation in the city and highways.
He said people's behavioural pattern including reckless attitude of drivers and their heroism must be addressed properly.
Ilias Kanchan recommended increasing the jail term to 10 years with higher fines and said the compensation to the victims must be calculated according to age, income, social status.
He also said that any accidents caused by no fitness, fake licence and without licence should be considered "murder" and tried under section 302 of the penal code.
Faruk Talukder Sohel of Sohag Paribahan, Director General of Police Atiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Atiqul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Malik Samity Rustom Ali Khan spoke at the meeting, among others.
Senior officials of the ministry and heads of its agencies including Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation and Roads and Highways Department were also present.

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