Transport Strike Call off
Abul 'agrees to free''killer bus' driver
Although Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain categorically denied knowing anything about the demand of releasing a killer bus-driver, transport workers say they called off the strike yesterday following his assurance to fulfil all their demands.
The assurance came from a meeting between the communications minister and the central leaders of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation at the secretariat when the federation's Executive President and Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan was also present.
Police on August 15 arrested Jamir Uddin, driver of the bus which killed five persons, including filmmaker Tareque Masud and media personality Ashfaque Munier Mishuk in Manikganaj on August 13.
“The minister assured us of meeting all the demands that also include releasing the driver through legal procedure,” senior vice-president of the federation Dudu Miah told The Daily Star.
Transport workers enforced the strike from 6:00am yesterday in 21 districts demanding a halt to filing cases against drivers under Section 302 of the penal code, minimising tax on importing engine and vehicles parts, and bringing an end to extortion on the highways.
But Abul claimed that the workers at the meeting did not demand the release of the driver, but increasing their facilities. "I know nothing about this,” he told reporters after attending a meeting of the Road Transport Advisory Committee at Railway Bhaban later in the day.
"All the demands will be resolved following legal procedure," he said.
Abul also said the "lengthy process" of acquiring driving licenses will be shortened and a committee will be formed with secretaries of the communications, law and home ministries to chalk out the plan.
The government will take necessary initiatives to remove the illegal speed-breakers from highways and evict temporary shops and roadside kitchen markets, as they often cause accidents. “Instead of speed-breakers, ramble strip will be set up at different turning points and risky points of the highways.”
Showing of fitness stickers will be made mandatory for all vehicles, he added.
Meanwhile, our correspondents report that transport movement remained suspended in 10 districts of Khulna division, six in Barisal and five districts of Greater Faridpur for six hours, causing untold sufferings to commuters.
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