ZCZC
BSS-24
CAR-FREE-DAY
World Car Free Day tomorrow
DHAKA, Sept 21, 2019 (BSS) – The World Car Free Day-2019 will be observed in the country tomorrow like elsewhere in the world to sensitize citizens to avoid using private cars and encourage cycling, walking or using public transport instead.
The day is being celebrated as a private day since 2006. With this year’s theme ‘Safe Walking and Cycling, the day will be marked jointly by the government and non-government organizations.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages on the eve of the day and wished the day’s programmes a success.
The day is a free international event celebrated on September 22, which formally started in the 70’s in Europe.
The Car Free Day is organized in various cities throughout the world in different ways, but with the common goal of reducing the number of cars on the streets. The benefits to society and the people are a day with less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced gasoline demand.
President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said city dwellers should travel by different modes of communications including public transports and waterways instead of private cars for ensuring smooth traffic movement.
He said the government has already taken different steps including construction of flyovers and introduction of metro rail for development of public transport system in Dhaka city for hassle-free movement of people.
In her message, Sheikh Hasina said the government is implementing the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) for the development of public transport system to remove traffic jam and stop air and noise pollution in the city.
She said the transport sector has witnessed a remarkable development as the present government is implementing different projects across the country.
BSS/PR/SRH/KU/1929 HRS