The cabinet’s initial approval of these amendments marks a significant step towards fostering a fairer and more balanced legal framework within the transportation sector, ensuring the well-being and safety of citizens on the roads.
Road accidents pose a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, inflicting substantial harm on individuals and society as a whole. Despite various initiatives taken by the government, the number of road accidents continues to increase, highlighting the need for a legal approach to address this issue.
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In this context, the cabinet, in its session on Wednesday, March 13, has given in-principle approval to the draft of the Road Transport (Amendment) Act, 2024, which entails significant reductions in punishments across various sections, notably addressing irregularities in driving license issuance.
It seems that not punishment, rather awareness generating and road safety features development should be the key areas to address to curb road accidents. The proposal to mitigate financial penalties and terms of imprisonment across 12 sections garnered unanimous approval from the cabinet, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering a more equitable legal environment.
This landmark decision unfolded during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Highlights of the Amendment
Section 69 of the prevailing act, concerning irregularities in driving license preparation, currently mandates a penalty of 2 years imprisonment and a Tk5 lakh fine. However, under the amended law, this penalty is being revised downwards to Tk3 lakh, reflecting a recalibration of punitive measures.
Furthermore, provisions pertaining to driving with a revoked or canceled license, initially punishable by 3 months imprisonment and a Tk25,000 fine, now undergo revision. The fine is set to decrease to Tk15,000 while maintaining the existing prison term, thereby fostering a more nuanced approach to enforcement.
Introducing New Provisions
The amended act introduces Section 71, necessitating transport supervisors to obtain licenses, thus bolstering regulatory oversight. Moreover, sections addressing fare-related offenses witness significant adjustments. Section 80’s penalty for non-display of transport fare charts and demanding additional fares sees a reduction in fines from Tk10,000 to Tk2,000. Similarly, Section 81, targeting fare meter tampering, undergoes revision, reducing the imprisonment term to 3 months and the fine to Tk25,000.
Strengthening Enforcement Against Extortion and Traffic Violations
Section 83 of the draft explicitly prohibits extortion, clarifying that charges beyond official gazette notifications constitute actionable offenses. Additionally, fines for disobeying traffic signals, as stipulated under Section 85, witness a substantial reduction from Tk10,000 to Tk2,000, reflecting a concerted effort to balance punitive measures with practical enforcement.
Road Safety in Bangladesh
Recent data from the Bangladesh Jatri Kallayn Samiti reveals a concerning reality – approximately 25,000 lives are lost each year in road accidents in Bangladesh. This translates to an average of 64 daily fatalities, with a significant 51% of the victims being earners, highlighting the economic impact of these tragedies. The World Health Organization estimates that these accidents result in a substantial 5.3% loss in Bangladesh’s GDP.
To address this alarming trend, the Bangladesh Jatry Kallayn Samiti advocates for the adoption of an e-traffic system, foreseeing an 80% potential decrease in road accidents upon its implementation.
In addition to the lives lost, road accidents also cause injuries to hundreds of thousands annually, with approximately 80,000 individuals sustaining disabilities, including over 12,000 children under 17 years old.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, notes that while the number of road crash deaths is decreasing, the progress is not sufficient. The WHO’s global report underscores the severity of the situation, citing 24,954 fatalities in Bangladesh. The majority of victims, about 67%, belong to the 15 to 64 age group, with those aged 15 to 49 facing the highest risk of death.
Steps Taken by Govt to Ensure Road Safety
On June 14, 2023, the Bangladesh government launched the first dedicated Road Safety Project in South Asia, receiving approval from ECNEC. With the backing of $358 million from the World Bank, the project spans from 2023 to 2028, concentrating on selected cities, high-risk highways, and district roads. The initiative targets a 30% reduction in road traffic deaths and aims to enhance safety over 5,000 kilometers of highways.
Notably, the Dhaka-Aricha Highway and Dhaka-Mawa Expressway currently feature dedicated slow lanes for slower vehicles, minimizing the risk of high-speed accidents.
The Bangladesh government has taken several steps to ensure road safety, including:
Road Safety Projects:
Launching dedicated projects, such as the Road Safety Project in South Asia, aimed at improving road infrastructure, installing safety features, and reducing traffic fatalities.
Legislation and Policies:
Implementing and enforcing laws related to road safety, including regulations for speeding, seatbelt use, helmet laws, and other safety measures.
Infrastructure Development:
Developing Road infrastructure by installing road signs, dividers, footpaths, zebra crossings, speed breakers, and dedicated lanes for slower vehicles to minimize accidents.
Collaboration and Implementation:
Partnering with relevant departments and organizations like the Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Bangladesh Police, and Directorate General of Health Services to ensure effective implementation of safety measures.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Conducting awareness programs and campaigns to educate the public about road safety practices, including safe driving, pedestrian safety, and adherence to traffic rules.
Project Expansion:
Expanding safety projects and initiatives to cover more cities, high-risk highways, and district roads to address road safety concerns comprehensively.
In essence, the cabinet’s endorsement of the Road Transport (Amendment) Act, 2024, represents a significant stride towards refining regulatory mechanisms governing the transport sector. By addressing inconsistencies and revising penalties, the amendment underscores a commitment to fostering safer and more accountable road transportation practices.
