Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced the government’s decision to introduce a GPS tracking system in all public transport across the country. The initiative aims to address irregularities on roads and highways and ensure discipline within the transport sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the success of government measures during the last Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, which enabled around 15 million people to travel outside Dhaka without issues. This announcement followed a high-level meeting on road safety at the secretariat.
The minister expressed sorrow over the fatalities from two separate accidents during the Eid vacation and indicated that several practical steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized that from the next Eid, passenger buses will only be allowed to pick up passengers at designated stops to enhance safety and order.
Once the GPS system is in place, it will prevent buses from carrying excess passengers and ensure they complete designated routes. Non-compliance will trigger an automatic penalty system, facilitating stricter adherence to regulations.
Despite a few isolated incidents, the minister noted that most people were able to travel safely during Eid-ul-Fitr. Looking ahead to Eid al-Adha, discussions have been held to further improve the convenience and efficiency of holiday travel.
The minister also mentioned that no roadside shops will be permitted along highways during the upcoming Eid, and the Local Government Ministry, along with deputy commissioners, has been instructed to prevent the establishment of cattle markets along highways.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Road Transport Habibur Rashid, Shimul Biswas, MP, secretaries of different ministries, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, and heads of various agencies.