Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the transportation sector of being ill-equipped to handle the surge in travelers during Eid, citing inadequate supervision. The party raised concerns about the lack of measures to address issues such as overpricing, extortion, and passenger hardships on the roads.
Mia Golam Porwar, the Secretary General of Jamaat, conveyed these grievances in a statement released today. He expressed sorrow and alarm following the tragic death of a young individual in a boat mishap at Sadarghat in Dhaka, as well as the injuries sustained by numerous passengers when multiple coaches of the Nilsagar Express derailed in Adamdighi, Bogura.
Porwar described the loss of Md Sohel in the Sadarghat tragedy as “heart-wrenching” and extended condolences to his family. He called for swift rescue operations for the missing individuals and the complete recovery of the injured, including those affected by the train incident.
Pointing out that the recent events are indicative of systemic mismanagement and lax oversight within the transport network, Porwar emphasized that ensuring safe travel is a primary duty of the state that has not been fully met. He criticized the inadequate preparations for Eid travel, stating that despite the escalating number of passengers, essential safety protocols and organization have not been reinforced, leading to persistent issues like overpricing, extortion, and prolonged passenger distress.
In the same statement, he urged the concerned ministries and authorities to conduct unbiased investigations into the incidents and take decisive action against those accountable. Porwar called for enhanced security measures during Eid travel, strict fare regulation, and immediate interventions to combat extortion on the roads.
Additionally, he appealed to law enforcement agencies, including the Fire Service and Civil Defense and the police, to assume a more proactive role throughout the remaining Eid travel period and the subsequent return trips. He emphasized the necessity of deploying extra personnel where needed and fostering coordination among relevant entities to ensure a smooth travel experience.
