Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced that the government would implement a mandatory 60-hour training program for drivers under new regulations to ensure that driving licences are only issued to qualified individuals. “The existing system of issuing driving licences through committees is one of the most unusual practices in the world,” the adviser stated, emphasizing that licences would now be granted based on driving skills, physical fitness, eyesight, and other health assessments following proper training.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fouzul Kabir Khan made these remarks as the chief guest at a training programme focused on skill development and awareness about noise pollution for professional transport drivers and workers. This training was organized under the “Integrated and Participatory Project for Noise Pollution Control (3rd Revised)” at the BRTC Training Institute in Tejgaon.
In his capacity as adviser to the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Railways, Khan expressed his deep concern over the increasing number of road accident casualties across the country. “Road accidents are increasing every year, yet no effective initiatives are being taken to reduce them,” he said, attributing the lack of progress to bureaucratic inertia. “Bureaucracy is sitting on the people like a rock and ignoring public interest without humanitarian responsibility,” he added.
The primary goal of this initiative, Khan explained, is to save lives, curtail road fatalities, restore discipline on the roads, and reduce noise and air pollution, thereby making Dhaka a more livable city. He urged government officials to remember that they are servants of the people and to prioritize public interest, calling on all parties involved to act responsibly to ensure the success of the initiative.
The event also featured a speech by an adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Water Resources. She highlighted that this was the first practical partnership initiative of its kind in the country’s 54-year history. The success of the program hinges on drivers understanding its importance through training, she noted, pointing out that drivers are among the most affected by excessive horn use.
Under the Noise Pollution Rules, police have been assigned the responsibility to control noise pollution, with traffic sergeants empowered to impose fines when necessary. “It is not possible to change people’s behaviour through force or fines alone. This welfare-oriented initiative must reach the hearts of drivers,” the adviser concluded.
Additional comments were made by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Moinuddin, BRTA Chairman Abu Momtaz Saad Uddin Ahmed, and Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Farina Ahmed. The event was attended by senior government officials, leaders of transport owners and workers’ associations, civil society representatives, and journalists from both print and electronic media.