Chattogram MP seeks greater accountability over road safety
Chattogram-9 lawmaker Mohammad Abu Sufian has pledged to place a proposal in parliament for an integrated road safety law, calling for tighter speed controls, faster post-crash emergency care and greater accountability among agencies responsible for road safety.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a road safety training programme organised by the Policy Influence Group (PIG) under the "Strengthening Road Safety Act and Civil Society Action in Bangladesh" project.
The programme was held at Bon Jour Restaurant in Chattogram's GEC intersection area on Saturday (25 July).
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Describing the current road accident situation as "alarming", Abu Sufian said accidents were occurring every day and claiming many lives.
"Enacting laws alone will not be enough to address the situation. The laws must be enforced, while transport owners, drivers, passengers and all other stakeholders must act responsibly," he said.
The lawmaker identified speeding as a major challenge, noting that the government had already prepared speed guidelines for vehicles in cities and on highways.
"The first hour after an accident is crucial, and we must make effective use of it. Many lives can be saved if victims are rescued quickly and provided with timely hospital treatment and emergency services," he said.
Citing road safety practices in other countries, Abu Sufian said the Dubai Road Safety Authority operated efficiently and investigated the causes of every accident.
"Bangladesh's relevant institutions must also become stronger, more efficient and accountable. Passengers, drivers, transport workers and pedestrians must also be aware of their responsibilities," he said.
Reiterating his position on road safety, he said, "I will place a proposal in parliament for the enactment of an integrated road safety law."
"The proposal must be raised in the national interest. Road safety is no longer merely a transport-sector issue; it is directly connected to public health, law and order, national development and progress," he added.
Abu Sufian also criticised the role of the Highway Police, alleging irregularities and negligence in enforcing traffic laws.
"Police on the highways are more concerned about their own pockets. If they paid greater attention to road safety, such accidents would not occur so frequently," he said.
He called for stronger monitoring to prevent accidents and end irregularities and negligence in enforcing road safety laws.
Referring to the Chattogram–Cox's Bazar highway, the lawmaker said upgrading it to four lanes could help reduce accidents.
However, widening the highway alone would not be enough, he said, stressing that speed control, driver training, vehicle fitness inspections and improved road management were equally important.
The training programme included discussions on enforcing road safety laws, controlling speed, preventing accidents, providing emergency services after crashes and strengthening civil society's role in road safety.
The Policy Influence Group is working under the project to support the enforcement of road safety laws and increase civil society participation.
CAB Central Committee Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain chaired the programme, while Steps Towards Development Project Coordinator Chander Kumar Lahiri served as the facilitator.
PIG Member Secretary and Dainik Purbodesh News Editor Abu Mosharraf Russell moderated the discussion.
Journalist M Nasirul Haque, CAB Divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Saberi, CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Jasmine Sultana Paru, social worker Mitul Das Gupta, CAB Chattogram Metropolitan Organising Secretary Jannatul Ferdous, Joint Secretary Md Selim Jahangir, teacher Ismail Faruqi, Scout Regional Secretary Shahnewaz Ali Mirza, Md Shaheen Chowdhury, ABM Humayun Kabir, Youth CAB Chattogram President Abu Hanif Noman, Saima Haque and Laila Yasmin, among others, participated in the discussion.
