Online Desk: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has instructed the authorities concerned to increase vigilance on the movement of three-wheelers and motorcycles on roads and highways to avoid road accidents during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

He gave the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting on the safe and smooth journey of passengers during  Eid-ul-Fitr at Sarak Bhaban in the capital’s Banani on Thursday morning.

Quader said, “We are still worried about accidents. There is no end to these accidents. Reckless driving of three-wheelers and motorcycles are causing accidents. That is why the Safe Roads project has to be implemented quickly. If we remain reluctant, accidents will continue to happen. In this regard, we should not blame others, but rather perform our respective duties.”

Three-wheelers and motorcycles are the biggest nuisance on the roads during Eid, he said adding the movement of these vehicles has been banned on 22 highways, but it is not being implemented.

The capacity of the Highway Police and BRTA needs to be increased here, he said.

At this time, Quader expressed his anger over the plying of unfit vehicles in Dhaka city.

He said, “There are many factories in this city that manufacture these vehicles. I have seen it myself. They are painting the vehicles. The paint doesn’t even last for ten days.”

The minister said, “Look at the private cars and buses in Dhaka. These unfit vehicles in Dhaka city are a shame to our development achievements.”

He called upon the vehicle owners to make their vehicles fit for the road during Eid instead of showing off.

In the meeting, 155 potential traffic congestion points were identified for Eid.