Dhaka: Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Sheik Moinuddin, has called for the integration of road and bridge construction and management under a single framework. He highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination and collaborative efforts to advance the sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Moinuddin expressed these views during a national dialogue focused on sustainable initiatives for establishing order in the road transport sector. The event, organized by the Road Safety Foundation, was held at the BRTA headquarters. Moinuddin noted the existing lack of coordination in road management despite significant experience in the field. He emphasized that road safety is interconnected with connectivity, operation, public health, and coordination, urging a focus on road users and safety operations.
Moinuddin further explained that the development of an effective transport system relies on strategic planning, operation, safety, and maintenance. He pointed out that road safety involves engineering, enforcement, and education, underscoring the media's role in educating the public about road safety and government efforts.
A dedicated unit will be established to address road safety issues, Moinuddin announced. BRTA Chairman Md. Yeasin shared that coordinated efforts among stakeholders have improved public satisfaction during the last Eid-ul-Fitr journey. He revealed that approximately six lakh vehicles in the country have outdated documents, and 78,000 vehicles are using fake number plates.
Representatives from various organizations, including district and upazila level entities, are collaborating with the BRTA to enhance road safety measures. Monthly public hearings are part of these initiatives. The discussion featured participation from Road Safety Foundation Chairman Professor Dr AI Mahbub Uddin Ahmed, Highway Police DIG Md. Shafiqul Islam, Secretary General of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Saiful Islam, Professor Dr Abdul Hamid of Health Economics Institute at Dhaka University, Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of the Development Studies Department at Dhaka University, and Road Safety Foundation Executive Director Saidur Rahman.