Reckless driving must be stopped

A few days ago at Kawran Bazar in Dhaka, the drivers of two city buses were driving recklessly and 'racing' with each other. Eventually, one of the buses lost control and crashed onto the other bus and then on the divider before turning on its side. The collision killed the helper of the bus and injured several other passengers. However, both of the bus drivers fled the scene. This happens on a regular basis  all over the country and not only in Dhaka. Speeding and reckless driving is a major traffic offence in most countries. But in Bangladesh, the leniency of the law-enforcement agencies has encouraged reckless driving since the bus drivers have realised that they will most likely be able to get away with their crimes. Last year, the High Court reinstated the highest punishment for reckless driving to seven years' imprisonment in order to improve the situation. However, nothing has changed much. Apparently, bus is the only mode of public transport available in Dhaka and it is also the most popular one for inter-district connectivity which is why the majority of the people in Bangladesh choose a bus for commuting inside Dhaka and travelling across the country despite hazards. To prevent reckless bus driving, the authorities need to take sweeping measures against unlicensed drivers and drivers with fake driving licenses. Speed of buses should be checked in Dhaka and also on the highways by using speed guns. Last but not the least, bus drivers found speeding, recklessly driving or violating other traffic rules should be penalised without clemency.
Ridwan Quaium
ridwanq@gmail.com