Dhaka, Sept 23 (V7N) – State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid today assured that the government would work in coordination with Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) to prevent road accidents, ensure discipline and strengthen safety across road, rail and waterways.

He gave the assurance when a NISCHA delegation, led by its Secretary General Liton Arshad, met him and submitted 15 proposals aimed at reducing accidents and building a safer transport system.

The delegation said road safety is closely linked to public health, the economy and national development and stressed the need for coordinated efforts involving the government, relevant agencies, experts, transport operators and civil society.

Among the proposals were:

  • Ensuring NISCHA's representation on the National Road Safety Council

  • Involving the organisation in government road safety projects

  • Establishing a national accident data cell to support evidence-based policymaking

  • Enhanced driver training and road safety education in schools

  • Stronger monitoring in line with the UN's "Safe System Approach"

For road safety, NISCHA recommended technology-based traffic management, installation of CCTV cameras and speed cameras, automated traffic fines, improvement of accident-prone spots and strengthening of vehicle licensing and fitness systems. It also called for stricter measures to control overspeeding and overloading and regular drug testing of drivers.

For the railway sector, NISCHA proposed automated level-crossing gates, modern signalling systems and improved track monitoring.

For waterways, it recommended action against unfit vessels and overcrowding, mandatory safety equipment and improved management of terminals.

The organisation also proposed establishing emergency response units, ambulances and trauma centres along highways to ensure prompt medical assistance to accident victims.

The delegation briefed the state minister on NISCHA's 33-year journey, its activities through nearly 120 branches, road safety campaigns and humanitarian initiatives.

Habibur Rashid appreciated the proposals and praised NISCHA founder and chairman Ilias Kanchan for his longstanding efforts to promote road safety. He said the government had already taken several initiatives to improve road safety, including the introduction of AI-based traffic control systems and measures to reduce traffic congestion. The state minister assured the delegation that he would examine the proposals and work with NISCHA to further advance road safety in the country.

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