Justice not served when influential figures involved in road accidents: Nahid
Political influence plays a key role in the rampant corruption that plagues transport sector, he also says
Justice is often not served when influential members of society are involved in accidents, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam today (21 December).
Speaking at a national dialogue organised by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF) in the capital, he said, "Everyone must be brought under the purview of justice. Structural reforms are necessary, and fundamental changes must be made to our development policies."
Referring to Friday's (20 December) incident where a BUET student was killed after being hit by a recklessly driven private car he said, "A BUET student lost their life. There is a perception that those connected to influential sections of society face no justice or accountability. It's the lives of ordinary people that are lost. This is a stark reality of our society, and it needs to change.
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On the state of the transport sector, he said political influence plays a key role in the rampant corruption plaguing the sector.
He said addressing this corruption was crucial to establish road discipline and controlling road accidents.
Highlighting that the problems in the sector were multi-faceted, he said lack of awareness and illiteracy were identified as other contributing factors.
"Road accidents affect all members of society, particularly the general public. The term 'accident' is misleading, as these incidents often result from systemic failures and should be more accurately described as infrastructural killings.
"The culture of impunity further exacerbates this issue. Individuals are tragically killed on roads, yet accountability remains elusive with a lack of effective trials," he also said.
During the event, Adviser Nahid emphasised that all stakeholders must actively participate in addressing these challenges.
"To effectively combat corruption, political goodwill is essential, as political interference plays a significant role in this issue," he added.
Mentioning the significant infrastructural development undertaken by previous governments within the transport sector, Nahid further said these efforts have not effectively ensured public safety or prevented road accidents.
Nahid said, "The quota reform and safe road movement of 2018 were the main foundation for us. At that time, this movement started when two school-college students were killed in a road accident."
He said there was a long-standing anger among the people regarding unsafe roads.
"The government of that time tried to suppress that movement violently at that time. For the past 15 to 16 years, we have heard a story of development. Extensive development is a narrative of the past fascist government.
"Moreover, these developments have not necessarily translated into improved quality of life for the people. A fundamental shift in development policy is necessary. We must prioritise public safety in all development initiatives within the transport sector," Nahid also said.
'Unfit buses to be gone by May'
At the event, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Chairman Md Yasin said outdated buses will be removed from Dhaka's roads by May.
Urging bus owners and drivers to find alternative ways in the meantime, he said 95 vehicle inspection centres will be launched with the funding of the World Bank.
The rate of black smoke emitted by vehicles will be determined in some of these centre.
Punishment of drivers needs to be reconsidered…because of the punishment, educated boys don't want to become bus drivers. Only bus drivers aren't at fault for accidents
He also said the BRTA and police are struggling to bring order on the roads as after freeing footpaths, those are again occupied.
'Can't exclude bus owners from bus route rationalisation plan'
Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) Executive Director Neelima Akhtar said the government wanted to launch the green cluster of bus route rationalisation in full swing by February.
"There has been talk from various quarters that new buses should be brought to the city and a new company should be formed to operate those. This is not possible immediately. Those who own five to ten buses in Dhaka cannot be excluded. They need to be included here," she said.
She said the DTCA had made a separate salary structure for drivers, but it needed to be discussed.
In addition, Bangladesh Bank has promised to provide low-interest loans to bus owners, provided the owners do not default on those.
'Not enough time to develop road infrastructure'
Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) Superintendent Engineer Md Abdur Rahim said, this year the LGED needs Tk21,485 crore, but in the road sector.
"But we have been Tk3,300cr. It is not known whether we will get that money on time or not. We are not getting enough land to develop road infrastructure in rural areas. We have to face many complications in getting land allocation."
'No educated person wants to driver due to punishment extent'
At the event, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Secretary General Md Saiful Alam said they are working on the draft of the Safe Road Act.
"There, the issue of punishment of drivers needs to be reconsidered. Because, in the Road Transport Act-2018, it is said that if a driver is arrested for an accident, he will not be granted bail. In some cases, he will be sentenced to death. That is why now no educated boys want to come forward as bus drivers."
He said accidents also happened due to road structure and illegal vehicles.
"That is why the issue of punishment of drivers needs to be considered."
