RAJBARI, May 17: "There is no hesitation in admitting that the road accident reflects our collective failure," said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, while announcing a Tk 2,800 crore government plan for the rehabilitation and financial assistance of road accident victims and a separate initiative to train 60,000 drivers across the country.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a cheque distribution ceremony organised by the BRTA Trustee Board in Rajbari, where cheques worth Tk 2.58 crore were distributed among 55 families affected by the March 25 bus accident at Daulatdia ferry ghat.
The event was held under the chairmanship of Rajbari Deputy Commissioner (DC) Afroza Parveen.
Among others present as special guests were State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP Harunur Rashid, BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman, and Rajbari Superintendent of Police Mohammad Manjur Morshed.
Speaking at the programme, the minister said nearly 4,500 to 5,000 people suffer from road accidents every year in the country, blaming unskilled drivers and unfit vehicles for many of the incidents.
Other speakers observed that roads being used for multiple purposes and shortcomings in ferry ghat management were also contributing to accidents.
Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said no amount of money could compensate for the loss of human life and stressed the need for major improvements in ferry ghat management.
State Minister Habibur Rashid said all authorities concerned must properly discharge their responsibilities to reduce accidents.
Describing the programme as a humanitarian initiative, he said the BNP government stands beside people in difficult times. Referring to the strategic importance of the Daulatdia ferry ghat as the gateway to southern Bangladesh, he stressed the need for a bridge, saying the Padma Bridge has become "a demand of our lives".
A BRTA official said both vehicle owners and workers share responsibility for road accidents and emphasised the need for greater public awareness on road safety.
Among the victims, Rezaul Karim, who lost his wife and daughter in the accident, said he received the cheque within one month and 24 days of the tragedy.
"But what I have lost can never be returned," he said.
