Khulna: Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Abu Momtaz Ziad Uddin Ahmed has voiced concerns that road accidents pose a significant threat to the country's efforts in cultivating skilled human resources. He emphasized the critical nature of this issue while addressing an event at the Khulna Circuit House where compensation cheques were distributed to families affected by road accidents in Khulna and Bagerhat districts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BRTA chairman highlighted that approximately 32 percent of road accident victims are individuals aged between 5 to 29 years, who represent the future potential of the nation. The loss of life and injuries within this age group due to road accidents is a considerable setback to harnessing the nation's potential. The event was presided over by Khulna Additional Deputy Magistrate Dipankar Das and conducted by BRTA Khulna Divisional Director Md Ziaur Rahman.
During the ceremony, several key figures, including Khulna District Motor Bus Owners' Association General Secretary Robiul Islam, Joint Secretary Babul Hossain, and Khulna Motor Workers' Union President Zahid Khan, spoke on the occasion. Fazlul Haque Moni also represented the victim families. Cheques amounting to Taka 5 lakh were handed over to each victim family as compensation.
The BRTA chairman stressed that the responsibility for road accidents does not lie with any single group or individual. Instead, factors such as weak road infrastructure, unskilled drivers, careless pedestrians, and traffic law violations collectively contribute to the problem. He urged everyone to remain vigilant and responsible to mitigate road accidents.
In a bid to address these issues, the chairman outlined initiatives aimed at driver skill development. He mentioned that the process of creating master trainers, who will train professional drivers, has already commenced. Systematic training for drivers and helpers of public transport is also in the pipeline to transform them into skilled workforce.
He further urged victim families to submit compensation applications within 30 days of an accident using the BRTA prescribed form.