DHAKA, Oct 22, 2023 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today expressed dissatisfaction over the movement of three-wheelers on the country's highways and the poor enforcement of the road safety act. 

"Although court imposed restrictions on the movement of easy-bikes, Nachiman-Kariman on 22 roads, it has not stopped yet...it has not stopped in most places. The movement of easy-bikes remains stopped when I visit to any place. It starts again when I leave the place," he told a function here.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) organised the discussion at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning marking the National Road Safety Day 2023.

The theme of the day this year is 'Let's move on roads following law, build a smart Bangladesh'. 

Speaking as the chief guest, Quader said many roads, constructed spending millions of taka, are being damaged for the lack of load control stations, stressing the need for installing weight control stations on roads and highways immediately.

About the next national elections, he said the polls will be held in line with the country's constitution. 

"The polls will not be halted by anyone. The election train will leave in November," he said, adding that if BNP misses the train, it will fall behind.

Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said BNP has threatened that it will seize the Dhaka city on October 28 but its wish will not be fulfilled. 

Blaming that BNP is threatening to resort to arson attacks again, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can only save the country from BNP's anarchy, calling upon the country's people to strengthen her hands.

Chaired by Road and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri, the discussion was addressed, among others, by Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Rowshan Ara Mannan, President of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Moshiur Rahman Ranga, President of Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation Shajahan Khan and Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Elias Kanchan.

Earlier, on the occasion of the road safety day, a procession was brought out in the city to create public awareness.