Photo: Collected
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) may face closure if it fails to improve its operations, said Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after visiting the BRTA building and attending a road safety discussion at the conference room, Khan addressed concerns regarding the BRTA's performance.
Earlier, on December 19, during a meeting at the Bidyut Bhaban Bhaban in Dhaka, the adviser had given the BRTA a one-month deadline to enhance its operations. With the deadline nearing its end, Khan observed that while some progress has been made, the authority's performance remains below acceptable standards.
"BRTA officials have been clearly informed that their current conduct is unacceptable," he said. "I have told them that several government departments have already been shut down. If there is no significant improvement, we will consider closing down the BRTA."
Khan said BRTA would remain under continuous monitoring, with intensified actions against unfit vehicles.
Addressing the alarming increase in road accidents, the adviser revealeda 12% rise in accidents compared to the previous year. "Since we assumed responsibility as the interim government, we have not been able to reduce road accidents, and we take responsibility for this," he said.
Fouzul added that although life is invaluable, the government has taken steps to provide compensation to the victims and families of those killed or injured in road accidents. This directive has been issued to the BRTA and other relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
Messenger/JRTarek
