DHAKA, Nov 18, 2019 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul
Quader today urged the authorities concerned not to be aggressive in
enforcing the Road Transport Act-2018.
“Instructions have been given to all the authorities concerned to
implement the new transport law at a tolerable level. I have already
instructed all the concerned not to do anything excessive in enforcing the
law. Despite having various pressures, the new act must be implemented,” he
told a press briefing on temperately affairs at the Secretariat here.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said realising the
money as penalty from the traffic rules violators is not the main objective
of the new transport law, but bringing discipline on roads is the main aim of
the law and all should abide by the law.
Mobile courts are conducting drives in implementing the new transport
act, he added.
Calling upon transport owners and workers to abide by the new transport
law and call off their strikes, Quader said: “I urge you (transport owners
and workers) to leave the thought of enforcing strikes and waging movement as
well as drive their vehicles following the law”.
He said despite the new transport law coming into effect on November 1,
its enforcement was tolerable level so that people can get an idea about it.
And now the law is strictly being enforced to bring discipline on roads, he
added.
Informing that some new issues were incorporated in the new transport
act, the road transport minister said like the developed countries, a point
system is introduced for the drivers under the new law. If any driver commits
any offense, his or her point will be cut off, he said.
Noting that the transport owners, for the first time in the country, are
brought under purview of the law, he said a section is inserted in the law
for compensating the victims of road accidents.
The new transport act is harsher than the previous one, Quader said,
adding that bringing discipline on roads by minimising road accidents was the
main objective of the law.
He said Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is working
relentlessly to bring discipline in transport sector.