BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday called for an end to the “mafia rule” in the road transport sector, saying longstanding extortion, syndicates and irregularities must be eliminated to restore discipline and ensure a comfortable environment for ordinary people.

Rizvi made the remarks at a tribute programme organised by the newly formed committee of the Jatiya Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation at the graves of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi said he hoped the new federation would remain active and vocal in putting an end to the longstanding anarchy and illegal extortion on the roads.

The BNP leader expressed confidence that the new federation leadership would use fresh ideas and approaches, drawing on its members’ backgrounds in student politics, to address longstanding disorder in the road transport sector, bring activities within the bounds of law and make a significant contribution to passenger services.

He said the leaders has taken on the responsibility with a commitment to improving the sector,

He said responsible performance in one sector could positively influence other sectors, encouraging them to improve through healthy competition.

Rizvi expressed hope that the new federation leadership would help replace the deteriorated road transport management that had developed during what he described as fascist rule with a new system that would strengthen public trust and make people feel safer and more comfortable while travelling.