Rajbari: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced today that the government has launched a Taka 2,800 crore project with support from the World Bank aimed at preventing road accidents, demonstrating its firm commitment to road safety. Under this initiative, activities such as driver training, health check-ups, eye and blood pressure tests, and drug addiction screenings will be conducted regularly.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these activities will persist until the roads are deemed safe. Minister Rabiul highlighted that the majority of road accidents result from drivers’ inefficiency, lack of awareness, reckless behavior, and faulty vehicles. Additionally, he pointed out that public unawareness and the mixed traffic of small and large vehicles on the same roads significantly contribute to accidents.
The announcement was made at a program titled ‘Cheque Distribution among Victims of Road Accidents and Public Awareness Campaign to Prevent Road Accidents’, organized by the BRTA Trustee Board at the Rajbari Municipality auditorium. The district administration and BRTA Rajbari Circle coordinated the event.
State Minister for the Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom attended as special guests, with Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parveen presiding. Other notable attendees included Rajbari Zila Parishad Administrator Md Abdus Salam Mia, BRTA Chairman Habibur Rahman, and Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Secretary General Saiful Alam.
Minister Rabiul, who also holds the position of Railways and Shipping Minister, emphasized that the program aims to express solidarity and sympathy with families affected by road accidents. He noted that the investigation report of the tragic accident at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat No. 3 on March 25, which identified driver error and vehicle defects as the primary causes, has been submitted to the government.
Habibur Rashid remarked that road accidents are not just statistics, as they bring long-term suffering to countless families. He stressed the government’s coordinated efforts to ensure road safety and urged all stakeholders, including drivers, vehicle owners, and passengers, to act responsibly.
Ali Newaz underscored that the assistance provided is not compensation but a gesture of solidarity with affected families’ grief. Representing the accident victims, Rezaul Karim expressed gratitude for the timely assistance and urged authorities to take preventive measures based on the investigation report to avoid future incidents.
Notably, the BRTA Trustee Board distributed cheques worth Taka 2.60 crore to 62 individuals affected by various road accidents in the district, including the bus accident at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat No. 3 on March 25.