Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has sought cooperation from Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to bring discipline in the road transport sector to implement development projects. ‘Successful implementation of central plans largely depends on the effective role of Deputy Commissioners,’ he told a media briefing after attending the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the crucial role DCs play at the field level in implementing government projects. He acknowledged the challenges faced by DCs during implementation, which were discussed at the conference along with potential solutions. Rabiul highlighted land acquisition as a significant obstacle, using the Dhaka-Sylhet highway as an example where progress has improved from 20 percent to around 46 percent. Instructions have been issued to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe.
The minister identified issues affecting road discipline, such as illegal occupation of road sides, unauthorized markets, overloaded vehicles, illegal billboards, and uncontrolled speed breakers. DCs have been instructed to address these issues actively. Rabiul called for efforts to prevent encroachment on rivers and government land.
Regarding the movement of three-wheelers on highways, efforts are underway to manage it, though complete cessation is challenging. Plans are in place to control this in phases. Rabiul, also the railways minister, noted the importance of addressing railway crossing accidents and stone-throwing at trains.
In preparation for Eid-ul-Azha, steps are being taken to control traffic congestion and accidents. The installation of CCTV cameras on national highways has begun, with plans to extend coverage to regional and district roads. On the issue of extortion, the minister stated that it is a crime and that strict action will be enforced, with law enforcement agencies actively engaged.
The minister emphasized the need for coordination between central and field administrations to implement government plans successfully. He concluded that without the active cooperation of DCs, restoring discipline in the road sector would not be possible.