Speakers on Tuesday demanded formulation of a comprehensive policy for sustainable transport system and its proper implementation.
They also urged modernisation of the rail and inland waterways infrastructure to reduce dependency on road transport.
They made the demand at an exchange of views organised by Bangladesh Environment Movement, Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Save the Environment Movement, Families United against Road Accident and WBB Trust at the National Press Club.
Participants in the programme called on the authorities to construct double lines and increase the number of railway locomotives and wagon.
The government should strengthen water transport system in a riverine country like Bangladesh by taking short and long-term measures, they said, also urging for amendment to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983 to improve road transport system.
AKM Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said Bangladesh had a transport network which included roads, railways and inland waterways but only the road transport had traditionally been the centre of the government’s attention.
Moreover, railway networks need multi-modal integration with road and inland water transport systems, he said.
Corruption in road construction, illegal fitness certificate for water ways and dredging in rivers should be looked into, he said.
Ekram Hossain, convener of Families United against Road Accident, Maruf Rahman, national advocacy officer of WBB Trust, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan executive member Muzibul Haque and executive director Coalition for Urban Poor Rebecca Sultana were present at the programme.
Comprehensive policy demanded for sustainable transport system
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