Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday stressed that the government will go ahead with the task of implementing the Road Transport Act, 2018 despite all difficulties. In this respect he urged all concerned not to go on strike over the newly enacted law.
Quader, also general secretary of Awami League, came up with the remarks at a press briefing at the secretariat. “There’s no alternative to the implementation of the law for the sake of establishing discipline and safety on roads. I urge all the concerned parties not to go for strike,” he said.
The law, which came into effect on November 1, is now being enforced at the field level from Sunday. Quader said that the work to formulate regulations will be completed within a few days. A gazette was issued on Sunday incorporating the Road Transport Act-2018 into the schedule of the Mobile Court Act-2009, clearing the way for conducting mobile court drives.
He reiterated that mobile courts will enforce the law from Monday. Quader said the traffic department has taken necessary preparations to implement the law and informed that the required software will be updated soon. The law has been made stricter but not aimed at punishing people. Rather, it is aimed at making roads safer for all by reducing accidents, he added.
The vehicle owners were also brought under the new law, Quader said adding that there are scopes to take action against the accused. In this regard, Quader urged the educational institutions of the country to raise public awareness about the law. The authorities will have to remain vigilant to prevent misuse of the law by law enforcers. The minister said that he has talked to the Home Minister and the Inspector General of Police so that no one could misuse the law. When asked about the workers’ preparation over the ‘ongoing’ strike, Quader said “We’re looking into it.”
