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Fatal Road Accidents

2 ministers differ on drivers' responsibility

Staff Correspondent
While the communications minister at a function yesterday identified reckless driving as one of the major reasons behind road accidents, the shipping minister defended the drivers saying they were not solely responsible.
"Many other things, including dilapidated roads, roadside shops and movement of animals on highways are equally responsible for accidents," Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, also executive
president of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation, said.
In the meantime, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader urged drivers to drive with maximum carefulness and responsibility, saying, "We are far behind making the highways safe for people."
Both the ministers were speaking at an oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected committee of Dhaka Zila Bus-Minibus Sarak Paribahan Sramik Union at the Mohakhali bus terminal in the city yesterday. Apparently aimed at gaining support of the transport workers, Shahjahan said, "A few months ago, I was about to lose my cabinet position because of my taking a stand in your (workers) favour, but I did not leave you. So, you should promise to stay besidemeall the time."
In August last year, Shahjahan faced severe media criticism for recommending driving licences to over 24,000 people without written tests.
Claiming that the number of road accidents has been reduced, Shahjahan Khan said Bangladesh now ranked second among high accident-prone countries across the globe, while it was on the top few months ago.
However, addressing the function as chief guest, Quader stressed the need for government officials, transport owners and workers to work together to minimise road accidents and to develop the transport sector.
Heavily criticising the role of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), the communications minister said there were huge problems and corruption in the BRTA. Those anomalies would be removed on an urgent basis.
In response to workers' various demands, Quader assured a fulfilment of those demands that were rational and urged the workers not to call strikes.
BRTA Chairman Ayubur Rahman and leaders of busminibus workers' organisations also spoke at the meeting.
RHD HOLIDAYS CANCELLED
The communications ministry yesterday decided to cancel holidays for officials and employees of the Roads and Highways Division for the next three months to speed up maintenance activities on roads and highways across the country.
"The next three months are a dry season. We have taken the decision to reduce people's sufferings," the communications minister said at the function.