No jail term or fine in first week, says Quader

Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader. File Photo
Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader. File Photo

Road, transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said no jail term will be awarded or fine realised in the first week under the Road Transport Act, 2018 for violating rules, reports UNB.

“We’ll enforce the law fully after giving them some time. A campaign is underway across the country to make people alert about the law,” said Quader, also general secretary of ruling Awami League.

He came up with the remarks while addressing a programme organised by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in Signboard of Siddhirganj on Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

The much-talked-about Road Transport Act came into effect on Friday as the road transport and bridges ministry issued a notification on 22 October in this regard.

The Road Transport Bill-2018 was passed by parliament on 19 September, 2018, keeping a provision of maximum five years' jail for any death or serious injuries caused by reckless or negligent driving.

Talking about the newly-passed Road Transport Act, 2018, he said as it is a new law and many people are not aware of it. All concerned, including transport owners, workers and highway police have been informed about it, he added.

Turning to the ongoing drive, he said anti-corruption drive inside Awami League will also be carried out at the district level.

“Steps would be taken at each unit of AL associate bodies where corruption, terrorism, extortion, drug and land grabbing would be found. The administration is also under surveillance,” said Quader.

Asked about BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s demand for neutral election he said, “If the election had not been neutral why they participated in it. Currently, their seven elected MPs are in parliament,” he added.