Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has raised concerns about the lack of preparedness in the transport sector for the upcoming Eid rush, citing inadequate monitoring mechanisms. The party has also criticized the absence of effective measures to tackle issues such as overcharging, extortion, and passenger hardships on the roads.
Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar of Jamaat conveyed these sentiments in a recent statement. He expressed sorrow and alarm following the tragic death of a young individual in a launch accident at Sadarghat in Dhaka, as well as the injuries sustained by numerous passengers due to the derailment of several coaches of the Nilsagar Express in Adamdighi, Bogura.
Porwar described the loss of Md Sohel in the Sadarghat incident as heartbreaking and extended condolences to his family. He emphasized the urgent need for rescuing the missing individuals and ensuring the full recovery of the injured, including those affected by the train mishap.
According to Porwar, these recent incidents are not isolated occurrences but indicative of longstanding issues such as mismanagement, negligence, and inadequate oversight within the country’s transportation system. He underscored that the government’s responsibility to guarantee safe travel remains unfulfilled.
Pointing out the insufficient preparations for the Eid travel season, Porwar highlighted the persistent lack of essential safety measures and management enhancements despite the escalating passenger demands. This has perpetuated problems like overcharging, extortion, and prolonged passenger discomfort.
In his statement, Porwar called on relevant ministries and authorities to conduct impartial investigations into the incidents and take decisive actions against those found responsible. He urged for enhanced security measures during the Eid travel period, strict fare regulation, and immediate actions to combat extortion on the roads.
Furthermore, Porwar urged law enforcement agencies, including the Fire Service and Civil Defence and the police, to intensify their efforts during the remaining Eid travel period and the subsequent return journeys post-holiday. He stressed the importance of deploying additional personnel where needed and improving coordination among the various agencies involved.