Initiatives are being taken to make Dhaka a safe city: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, "We are taking initiative to make Dhaka a safe city “We are taking an initiative to make Dhaka a safe city. If we can do it, then we will do this at Chattogram and Rajshahi. We are working towards that goal. In this, we will get benefits, especially, in everything including traffic and crime control,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 9th General Assembly of ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA)’ (Nischa) held at Shilpakala Academy in the capital's Segunbagicha on Saturday (May 28).

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the entire capital would be brought under CCTV cameras. This will provide special facilities for almost all activities including traffic and crime control in Dhaka city.

"Everyone wants safe roads, I want them too," he said. We need to change our mindset. Obey traffic laws. We need to use seat belts and control speed on the road. Many of us don't do these. We have to work with the tendency to obey the law. If anyone disobeyed the law, we land them to jail with the police and fined them, however, we need more awareness than that. If we are aware, if we abide by the law, if we act as per the reality, then success will come and of course, we will be able to do it. And if everyone is aware, accidents and deaths will decrease,” he added.

Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of Shilpakala Academy, said at the rally that the first step was to change the mentality to reduce road accidents. The one who drives the vehicle has to be more humane and play a role.

"Our country, our people," said Elias Kanchan, the founding president of ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA)’. So we have to abide by the road law. That is why we have set up many branches outside Dhaka, so that they can keep the roads in their respective areas safe.

Ilyas Kanchan, the founding president of ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA)’, also demanded implementation of 111 recommendations for safe roads.