Govt working to build safe, integrated transport system: Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, after assuming office through the people's mandate in the national election, started working to build a future-ready Bangladesh in line with the 31-point plan announced before the election, he said.

The state minister made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his Secretariat office here today.

The government's main objective is to build a democratic Bangladesh where every citizen will enjoy equal rights and feel themselves the true owners of the country, he said, adding that the government is also working to ensure a conducive environment for establishing freedom of speech, the right to express opinions and other fundamental rights of the people.

He said the prime minister has instructed all ministries to take a 180-day or six-month plan to build the Bangladesh of the future. 

Accordingly, various development plans are being implemented in the road transport and railway sectors, he added.

Mentioning that one of the major goals of the government in the road transport sector is to ensure accident-free safe roads, he said corruption and syndicates in the sector will be dismantled and the transport system will be made more accessible to people through decentralization.

At the same time, plans have been taken to create coordination among the three modes of transport - road, rail and waterways.

The State Minister for Road Transport, Highways, and Railways stated that priority will be given to roads where road communication is easier, railways where train travel is faster and more convenient, and waterways where no other alternatives exist.

He emphasized that the government's goal is to build a safe and efficient transport system by making the best possible use of limited resources.

Noting that initiatives have been taken to make Dhaka's bus stations more modern and passenger-friendly, he said consideration is also being given to relocating some bus stations to alternative places if necessary.

He said strict measures are being taken to stop charging fares higher than those fixed by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

He added that efforts are underway to strengthen coordination among different bus companies and bring both small and large transport services under a structured system. 

He went on, saying that initiatives are also being taken to bring battery-run and other small vehicles under legal regulations so they can operate within specific rules, preventing disorder on highways and major roads and reducing accidents.

Habibur Rashid also mentioned their initiatives to revive Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus services.

He said there is a plan to introduce freight services alongside passenger transport to make BRTC more popular. 

At the same time, the Prime Minister has directed authorities to create opportunities for women to work as BRTC bus drivers and conductors, and training is being provided to women for this purpose, he added.

Regarding the upcoming Eid journey, the state minister said the Road Transport and Highways Division has held several coordination meetings with bus owners' associations, workers' federations, police, highway police and district administrations.

The aim is to ensure that passengers can reach their destinations safely by paying the fixed fare and traffic congestion on roads remains minimal, he said.

He said instructions have been given to quickly remove construction materials left on roads and temporarily repair damaged roads to ensure smooth Eid travel.

Besides, officials of the ministry will conduct on-site monitoring at important places including railway stations and bus terminals ahead of Eid, he added.

Habibur Rashid said that the government is also aware that pressure on Eid travel increases due to holidays in the garment sector.

In this regard, discussions have been held with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), which have assured that garment holidays will be given in phases, he said.

He expressed hope that the upcoming Eid journey will be comfortable and safe through the coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies, reports BSS.