Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 19, 2024) said that motorcycles and easy bikes are the leading causes of road accidents across the country. Quader made these remarks during an Eid greetings exchange at his ministry's conference room in the Secretariat at 11:30 am. "It's very unfortunate that lately, motorcycle accidents have become more frequent. Looking at the accident data, motorcycles account for the highest number of accidents, followed by easy bikes. Reckless driving also plays a significant role. We cannot ignore this. I urge the Secretary to expedite the formulation of a policy," he said. Jatri Kalyan Samity calls for end to Eid transport fare anarchy and road accidents The minister further mentioned that the lack of regulation for millions of three-wheelers and motorcycles is disrupting order on the roads, highlighting the urgent need for a policy.  "People's lives should come before livelihoods. In trying to protect livelihoods, lives are being put at risk. Those involved in electoral politics often support or endorse this. Easy bikes on highways receive a lot of support, sometimes even encouragement from behind the scenes. In Dhaka, our current regulations ensure that 98 percent of riders have helmets," the minister said. Three dead, one injured in separate road accidents in Kurigram, Gazipur Quader also noted that while the Eid journeys on roads have been relatively smooth, the return trips remain a concern. "The return journeys often receive less attention, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, we must focus on ensuring the safety of the return journeys as well." He emphasized that maintaining discipline on the roads will significantly reduce accidents. "We must prioritize discipline to reduce road accidents," Quader added. Road accidents claimed 708 lives in April: Jatri Kalyan Samity

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (May 23, 2024) said that investigation will determine whether the deceased MP of Jhenaidah-4 constituency, Anwarul Azim Anar, was involved in any illicit activities in India. “I cannot say anything before the investigation is complete. There is no place for criminals in the Awami League,” Quader asserted. Bangladeshi MP’s macabre death in Kolkata: What we know so far He made these remarks during an introductory meeting with the newly formed Youth and Sports Sub-committee members at the Dhaka district Awami League office. Anwarul Azim Anar, who was nominated for the third time due to his popularity, is under scrutiny following his death, with Indian media alleging his involvement in smuggling activities. Abduction case filed over MP Anar's death “Sheikh Hasina does not spare any wrongdoer, even if they are from the party. Her policy regarding crime is zero tolerance,” Quader emphasized. Quader also questioned the timing and scope of these allegations, saying, “Why did this issue not come up in any investigative report by journalists in our country before his death?” Locals mourn MP Anar as 'a man of the people'

Drivers of battery-run three wheelers have been staging demonstration blocking roads in Dhaka’s Mirpur, Pallabi and some other areas since Sunday (May 19, 2024) morning, demanding withdrawal of ban on the movement of the vehicle in the capital. Vehicular movement remained suspended  as of filing this report at 1:40pm, on Mirpur-10 to 11, 2, 13 and Shewrapara roads, causing immense suffering to commuters. Abu Saleh Md Raihan, joint commissioner (traffic-north) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said three-wheeler drivers started demonstration around 9am obstructing  plying of other vehicles, resulting in suffering of common people. Sub-Inspector Mostaq Ahmed, duty officer of Pallabi police station, said though police teams were sent to the Mirpur area remove them from the roads, the protesters are yet to leave the roads. Increase vigilance on movement of three-wheelers, motorcycles during Eid holidays: Quader Witnesses said several hundred three-wheeler drivers gathered in the Mirpur-10 intersection to press home their demand in the morning. Police requested them to leave the busy road but they didn’t listen to them. Currently, the three-wheeler drivers have been staging demonstration  in Mirpur, Pallabi, Agargaon, Taltola, Kalshi and Mirpur-13 areas. Earlier on Wednesday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader instructed the authorities concerned to take steps to stop the movement of battery-run three wheelers on the roads in Dhaka city. Commuters bear the brunt as 48hr transport strike in Ctg underway in response to buses burnt by CUET students “No battery-run three wheelers will be allowed on city roads. Apart from this, the movement of three wheelers has already been prohibited on 22 highways,” he said while speaking at the advisory council meeting at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters on that day.

The exit ramp of Dhaka Elevated Expressway's Karwan Bazar section, in front of FDC, opened to traffic on Wednesday (March 20, 2024). Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader formally opened the ramp in the morning. With this, 16 ramps of the Elevated Expressway have been opened so far. On September 3 last year, the 11.5 km Airport-Farmgate stretch of Dhaka Elevated Expressway was opened to traffic and today the FDC gate ramp was opened. “This is an Eid gift from the Prime Minister for the people,” Quader said. “We will be able to fully open it by the beginning of next year. Hatirjheel ramp will be opened and progress is on following that direction,” he added. Onion prices fall by Tk30 per kg as seasonal supply rises in market Asked about the increased traffic congestion in Dhaka during the month of Ramadan, the minister said, “People go to shopping malls during Ramadan and there will be some traffic jam. However, there is no traffic jam from Uttara to Motijheel. People can easily reach their destinations.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 2, 2023 inaugurated the Airport-Farmgate segment of Dhaka Elevated Expressway. The total length of the expressway is 19.73 km and people can enter and exit the expressway through ramps in 31 points. The project director said 72.51 percent work of the expressway has been completed and the work at Hatirjheel and Panthakunja points is underway. 2 killed in separate accidents in Sylhet and Chandpur  The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project was undertaken in 2011. On December 15, 2013, Bangladesh Bridge Authority signed a revised agreement with First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited, the investment company of the project.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said a survey is underway for extension of Dhaka Metro Rail from Uttara to Tongi. He said this after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Corner at the DMTCL Building in Uttara’s Diabari. The minister said the construction work of metro rail’s Motijheel to Kamalapur part will be completed by June next year.  With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone A decision will be taken after discussion on extending service hours of metro rail on different days including Ijtema and Boi Mela, he said. “From today, metro rail started operating from Uttara North to Motijheel from 7:10 am every day except Friday and the last train from Motijheel will leave for Uttara North at 8:40 pm,” he said. The headway during peak hours will be 10 minutes and during off-peak hours it will be 12 minutes.  Metro rail’s Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh stations to open Dec 31 “This afternoon, I will travel from Uttara North to Motijheel by metro rail. I also urge you to travel regularly on time-saving and environment-friendly metro rail,” the minister said. “Maximum facilities for passengers will be ensured in metro rail. Six lines of the metro rail will be operational by 2030,” said the minister. Dhaka Metro Rail extends service hours on Uttara-Motijheel route; here are the timings 

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said the defeated forces of 1971 are now active again to retaliate. “The defeated forces of 1971 now want to take revenge and that’s why they have become active now,” he said while talking to reporters after paying tributes to the martyred intellectuals on the occasion of the Martyred Intellectuals Day. Quader, General Secretary of the ruling Awami League, also urged the pro-liberation forces to resist all conspiracies by getting united. Earlier on Wednesday, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals. Flanked by the party's central leaders, Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, laid another wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial as the party chief. Also read: Martyred Intellectuals Day: President, PM pay tribute to 1971 heroes Awami League presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Abdur Rahman, Shahjahan Khan, joint secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif MP, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and organising secretary Ahmed Hossain, among others, were present there. On the night of December 14, 1971, over 200 intellectuals including educationists, journalists, litterateurs, writers, physicians, scientists, lawyers, artists, philosophers and political thinkers had been picked up in Dhaka by the Pakistani occupation forces, aided by their local collaborators. The intellectuals were taken blindfold to torture cells in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Nakhalpara, Rajarbagh and other locations in different parts of the city and later executed en masse at different killing grounds, most notably Rayerbazar and Mirpur. Since then, the day has been observed as the Martyred Intellectuals Day.  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday blamed the traffic gridlock on highways ahead of Eid-ul-Azha on the “faulty management and lack of coordination” but not on the condition of roads. He was talking to reporters at the Secretariat as offices reopened on Tuesday after four days of Eid vacation. Quader claimed that the road situation across the country was better this time. “There was no traffic tailback on the road in this year. Though some reports of tailbacks were received, that happened due to faulty management and lack of coordination. The crisis was seen in Northern parts of the country, Quader said. He said the pre-Eid opening of Padma Bridge made smooth the travel to the southern region. He defended the ban on the movement of motorbikes on the highways saying it was necessary to prevent accidents. Read: Padma Bridge starts by raking in over Tk 1 million an hour The minister hoped that the Dhaka Metro Rail will be launched by end of December this year and the Dhaka Elevated Express Way by end of next year.  

The price of soybean oil has been increased in Bangladesh on grounds of rise in the global market as a fall-out of Russia’s war with Ukraine, said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday. The minister made this remark while talking to the reporters during inspection of a project to develop Dhaka-Narayanganj road to six lanes in the Signboard area of Narayanganj. Also read: Govt approves fresh hike in edible oil price effective Friday The minister said, “Prices of everything including oil and fuel are rising all over the world following the war.” “Bangladesh is not an isolated place, so war’s effect will be everywhere.” However, Quader said, "People will not suffer because Sheikh Hasina is a crisis manager. She used her foresight to save the country even during the Covid pandemic. Our Prime Minister has the courage and integrity to deal with it.”

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday stressed the need for building subways to free Dhaka from traffic congestion. The government has taken up a project to construct subways in Dhaka city and a draft of the project titled ‘Feasibility study for the construction of the subway in Dhaka city' has been prepared, he said. Read:Dhaka commuters endure awful traffic jam for 2nd day Obaidul said this at a seminar held to elicit opinion on the project at a hotel in the city. Drawing the attention of the two Dhaka city mayors who were present at the seminar, the minister said “Dhaka is a city of pollution and to make Dhaka a livable city new plans are needed.” Talking about the planned subways, TYPSA, an advisory firm of Spain proposed 11 route alignments for the 238-km long Dhaka Subway network. Of the total the government has a plan to construct 105-km long four routes by 2030, Obaidul said. Four routes are--- - 34.92km route stretching from Jhilmil via Tongi Junction route with 24 stations. The approximate expenditure of each km route is estimated at Tk 2,388 crore. - 22.89km route stretching from Gabtoli via Bholabo union with 14 stations. The expenditure cost of each km is estimated at Tk 2,158 crore. - 25.22 km from Keraniganj via Sonapur union with 15 stations. The total expenditure cost of each km is estimated at Tk 2,217 crore. - 45.11 km long route from Jahangirnagar University to Narayanganj route with 32 stations. Possible expenditure per km is estimated at Tk 2,312 crore. There will be no barriers in the land acquisition process as the subways will be constructed 25-70 meter deep under the earth, he said adding “Half of the residents of Dhaka city can move through the subways while the top of the ground would be free from traffic jams.” Meanwhile, a deal was signed between China Shandong International Economic &Technical Cooperation Group Ltd (CSI) and Bangladesh Bridge Authority for constructing a 6.5 km two-story expressway from Panchabati of Narayanganj to Muktarpur Bridge of Munshiganj district. Read: Dhaka dwellers suffer amid unusual traffic gridlock Secretary of Bridge Division Manjur Hossain was present there. Project Director of road expansion and two-story expressway from Panchabati of Narayanganj to Muktarpur Bridge of Munshiganj district, Shafiqul Islam and Lyu Jin, a representative of the contractor firm signed the agreement, involving Tk 1200 crore on behalf of their respective field.