Taskforce formed to bring discipline in transport sec

The government today formed a taskforce led by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to curb road accidents and bring discipline in the transport sector.

The task force, which will have representative from the ministries concerned, police, transport owners and workers associations, and experts, will monitor the implementation of 111 recommendations placed on April 29 by a committee led by former minister Shajahan Khan

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced the formation of the task force after the 27th meeting of National Road Safety Council at BRTA Headquarters in Banani.

The task force has been formed as per the recommendations of the committee, which was also adopted by the council.

The committee, formed on February 17 this year, set December 2019 as deadline for taking some immediate steps in this regard while 2019 to 2021 as deadline for short term and 2019 to 2024 for long-term initiatives.

WHAT IS IN THE REPORT

The Shajahan-led body held several meetings and prepared a draft report with 111-point recommendation, including formation of a road safety authority under the prime minister's supervision.

The committee’s recommendations include allocating funds for road development projects, implementing franchise system for public transport, setting limit of all commercial vehicles’ economic lifeline, keeping first aid boxes in all long-haul buses, and producing female drivers in govt and non-govt organisations.