Directive to increase vigilance to avoid road accidents

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has directed the authorities concerned to increase vigilance on the movement of three-wheelers and motorcycles on roads and highways to avoid road accidents during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

The minister gave the direction at a stakeholders’ meeting on safe and smooth journey of passengers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at Sarak Bhabhan in the capital’s Banani on Thursday morning.

Quader said all are still worried about road accidents, while three-wheelers and reckless driving of motorcycles are causing frequent accidents.

The road transport and bridges minister said these three-wheeler vehicles and motorcycles are the biggest nuisance on the road during the Eid journey.

Mentioning that a policy needs to be announced to this end, he said the movement of three-wheeler vehicles has been restricted on 22 roads and highways of the country, but it is not being enforced yet.

Expressing his displeasure over the movement of unfit and outdated vehicles on city streets, he said “There are many factories manufacturing these vehicles in Dhaka city. I saw it myself. Cars are being painted but their colours do not last even ten days.”

He called upon the transport owners to bring fitness of their vehicles on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Fitre.

He said during the meeting, 155 possible spots of traffic jam ahead of the Eid were identified, while special emphasis has been given on a few places.

Quader, , also the Awami League general secretary, asked the stakeholders concerned to keep their filling stations open for five days before and after the Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.