PM directs action against unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given necessary directives to the concerned to resolve the traffic jam in the capital, modernize the traffic system and restore discipline in the transport sector. As part of this he has directed to take action against the movement of unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses.

These directives were given at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon office on Saturday (August 29). Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Hossain Shadhin has informed this information.

Detailed discussions were held at the meeting on the ongoing traffic jam situation in Dhaka, pressure of vehicles on important roads and flyovers, public transport management, rearrangement of bus terminals, development of parking system and modernization of traffic management.

The decision was taken at the meeting to launch the electronic toll collection system at the toll plazas of expressways and flyovers. Through this an initiative will be taken to make the toll collection system more rapid, modern and technology-dependent. A decision has also been taken to create an app for this purpose. The Prime Minister has directed the concerned authorities to finish the work within the next four months.

The Prime Minister also emphasized strengthening coordination among various agencies and finishing the concerned works within the fixed time to resolve the traffic jam in the capital.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, Member of Parliament of Pabna-5 constituency Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation Abdus Salam, Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and concerned senior officials were present at the meeting.

Recently reports on the legality and safety of double-decker sleeper buses on the roads have been published in various media including Views Bangladesh. It is said in these reports that after taking approval and fitness as general air-conditioned buses the structure of some buses is being changed and converted into double-decker sleeper buses. However there are allegations that new approval is not being taken or fitness test is not being done for the changed structure. Accidents are increasing day by day due to these illegal vehicles.