Desk Report:
An important meeting was held on Sunday (March 29, 2026) in the meeting room of the Road Transport and Highways Department to prevent road accidents nationwide, increase overall road safety and further strengthen the government’s activities. It was presided over by the Minister in-charge of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, MP.
In his speech as the chairman, the Road and Bridges Minister said that a policy decision has been taken to implement GPS in public transport. In addition, the Chief Engineer of the Road and Highways Department has been instructed to work on a priority basis to make U-turns safe. The Local Government Department has been asked to take necessary measures to ensure safe U-turns on local roads connected to the highways.
Stating that ensuring the safety and comfort of the people is the main goal of the government, the Road Minister said that everyone should be vigilant and active to prevent the repetition of past mistakes in view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The minister also said that passengers will be picked up and dropped off safely and necessary safety measures will be ensured while loading and unloading vehicles on the ferry. Strict instructions have been given to the concerned authorities and bus owners not to register any vehicle without fitness.
Speaking as a special guest at the meeting, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid said that BRTA needs to be further strengthened. The Honorable Prime Minister wants to do something good and we all have to come forward collectively to implement it. The collective goodwill of all is needed to implement the government’s development plan.
At the press briefing after the meeting, the Minister of Roads and Bridges said that the upcoming Eid journey will be made more comfortable by implementing the steps taken to reduce road accidents and ensure safety. Initiatives are being taken to make the highway police more active, take strong measures to control goods vehicles and close uncontrolled temporary bus counters.
He said that although this year’s Eid journey was relatively comfortable, some unexpected accidents occurred. Subject to investigation into these incidents, disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible, including temporary suspension and cancellation of route permits. Explanations have also been sought from the concerned transport organizations.
Regarding the collection of additional fares, the minister said that from now on, it will be mandatory to display the fare list fixed by BRTA visibly at every bus counter and vehicle. Immediate action will be taken if any complaint is received. He also said that the government is taking initiatives to fix the fare of AC buses soon.
The minister expressed hope that if the coordinated initiatives continue, the Eid journey will be safer, smoother and more passenger-friendly in the coming days.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam and Bangladesh Nationalist Workers’ Party Chief Coordinator and Pabna-5 constituency MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas were present as special guests in today’s meeting on preventing road accidents across the country and increasing overall safety on the roads.
