Quader aims to bring discipline in transport sector in 'second innings'

Quader at his secretariat office in Dhaka on 19 May. Photo: Collected
Quader at his secretariat office in Dhaka on 19 May. Photo: Collected

Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader joined his secretariat office Sunday on his return from Singapore for treatment.

The minister, who was abroad for two and a half months, told newsmen that he is going to begin a 'second innings' and focus on completing the big infrastructural projects.

“I would have died. But I am still alive. I have completed the first innings (of my life). With the help of Almighty I am going to begin the second innings. Metro rail, Karnaphuli tunnel, and disciplining the traffic sector and public transport system in Dhaka are going to be the biggest challenges,” he said.

The minister, also the general secretary of ruling Bangladesh Awami League, hoped the journey of home-bound people before the holy Eid-ul-Fitr will be hassel-free.

“Two flyovers at Konabari and Chandra in Gazipur and four underpasses will be inaugurated on 25 May. The Second Meghna Bridge and the Second Gumti Bridge will also be inaugurated on Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The prime minister will inaugurate those through a video-conference. Hopefully there won’t be tailbacks on the highway during the Eid this year,” he added.

The secretary and other officials of the ministry welcomed the minister with bouquet at the secretariat.

Later, the minister signed several files and held a meeting with high officials of the ministry.

In response to a question about AL’s national council, the ruling party general secretary said, “The council will be held at the scheduled time. A team of the party is working on it.”

Quader said he will go the party office tomorrow and join Setu Bhaban (Bridges Building) office.

Regarding his illness the minister said, “I am okay now but a little weakness is there. I can’t move like before for one or one and a half months. I have to go to Singapore for follow-up after two months.”

Quader returned home on 15 May after 2 months and 11 days.

After undergoing successful bypass surgery in Singapore Mount Elizabeth Hospital on 20 March, he was discharged from the hospital on 5 April. He stayed over a month at a rented house near the hospital.

Earlier on 3 March, Quader was admitted to Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital after he felt chest pain.

He was taken to Singapore after receiving consultation of eminent Indian cardiologist Devi Prasad Shetty.