Desk Report:
A meeting was held in the meeting room of the Road Transport and Highways Department in Dhaka on Sunday (March 29, 2026) to prevent road accidents nationwide, increase overall road safety and further strengthen government activities. A policy decision to implement GPS in public transport was taken in the meeting. The meeting was presided over by the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping, Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, and Bangladesh Nationalist Workers Party Chief Coordinator and Pabna-5 MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas were present as special guests in the meeting.
The minister directed the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department to work on making U-turns safe on a priority basis. At this time, he directed the local government department to take necessary measures to ensure safe U-turns on local roads connected to the highway.
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 alert and active to prevent the repetition of past mistakes in view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. At this time, he also said that passengers will be safely picked up and dropped off on ferries and necessary safety measures will be ensured. Strict instructions have been given to the concerned authorities and bus owners not to register any vehicles without fitness.
State Minister Habibur Rashid said that BRTA must be further strengthened. The collective goodwill of all is needed to implement the government’s development plan.
At a press briefing after the meeting, the Road and Bridges Minister 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 smooth, some unexpected accidents occurred. Subject to investigation, 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, the BRTA fare list will be made mandatory to be displayed 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 fares of AC buses soon.
