RAJSHAHI, May 20, 2023 (BSS)- Integrated efforts of all the government and non-government organizations and individuals concerned can be the effective means of establishing smart road networks through enforcement of Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Utmost emphasis should be given on establishing smart road networks for substantial and sustainable reduction of road traffic accidents and jams.

Administrative officials and experts made the observation while addressing a view-sharing meeting related to the RTI Act 2009 and activities and services of road transport and highway division here Friday.

The Division of Road Transport and Highway organized the meeting supported by the District Administration at Circuit House discussing and devising ways and means on how to attain the cherished goal collectively.

Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Nur Mohammad Mazumder addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Additional Chief Engineer of Roads and Highway Division (RHD) Muhammad Moniruzzaman was in the chair.

RHD Chief Engineer Muhammad Ishaque, Additional Divisional Commissioner Dr Mokshed Ali, Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed, Additional Deputy Inspector General Police Naresh Chakma and Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Shamsun Nahar also spoke.'

BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder called for establishing smart toad networks after the best uses of RTI Act. He termed the information as power speakers and viewed full-length implementation of the law as very important.

He also mentioned that massive public awareness, regular training for drivers and others concerned besides necessary infrastructure are the prime prerequisites for preventing road accidents.

 There is no alternative to raising awareness among the public in general to prevent road accidents which is a matter of grave concern.

Nur Mazumder said the government has taken initiative to establish training institutes in each district to bring the drivers under training and refreshers training round the year.

 Step has also been taken to incorporate the issue of road accidents and its causes and prevention in the course-curriculum besides other various programmes to reduce the country's road accidents by 50 percent within the next 15 years, he added.

Muhammad Moniruzzaman told the meeting that they are implementing eleven projects at a cost of around Tk 4,974.32 crore to improve the existing road network in the division.

 He said the projects are being implemented in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, Bogura, Pabna and Sirajganj districts.