How is traffic law implemented in Bangladesh?

Staff Reporter :
The traffic law is same in UK and Bangladesh, but it is implemented in the former but not in the latter. In Bangladesh, high-ranking officials seem to enjoy impunity when it comes to traffic violations.

While ordinary citizens face consequences for breaking traffic rules, ministers, secretaries, and other influential people often evade accountability, creating a sense of injustice among the public in Bangladesh.

The story involving the UK home secretary unfolded when she was caught on camera using her mobile phone while driving, a clear violation of traffic regulations. The incident sparked immediate outrage and public demands for accountability.
Media reports that Home Secretary Suella Braverman is under pressure as it was claimed on Sunday that she attempted to dodge a driving fine after being caught speeding outside London when she was Attorney General of the country last year.

The home secretary was held accountable for her actions, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
In the UK, anyone caught speeding is handed a fine and penalty points on their licence.

Meanwhile, the home secretary faces questions in the Commons as Rishi Sunak considers launching formal inquiry into whether the ministerial code was broken.
In Bangladesh the legal experts said that the unequal treatment of traffic violations perpetuates a culture of entitlement and undermines the credibility of our legal system.

Ordinary citizens are left to bear the brunt of traffic law enforcement, facing fines, penalties, and even license suspensions for minor aberrations.
In contrast, those in positions of power seem immune to these consequences, evoking a sense of privilege and fostering a climate of impunity.
Eminent jurist Shahdin Malik told the New Nation on Monday that the weak democracy in the country responsible for the infringement of laws.
“The high-ranking people are above law where democracy is weak. The law is powerful when democracy prevails,” he said.
Meanwhile, sharing his response on the violation of traffic law by the government high-ups, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of SHUJAN, told the New Nation that such incidents of violating traffic laws take place because of the absence of the rule of law.

“Violation of traffic rules by high-profile individual has become common. It is because of the absence of the rule of law, lack of law, and no rule by the law. Commoners are harassed by implementing laws in a high-handed way. Laws should be equal for all,” he said.

The Section 279 of the Penal Code, 1860, clearly states: “Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to [three years, or with fine which may, subject to the minimum of one thousand taka, extend to five thousand taka] or with both.”
Another section 338(A) states: “Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by driving any vehicle or riding on any public way so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 3[two years], or with fine, or with both.]”

On the other hand, as per the Road Transport Act, 2018, it has been mentioned that drivers will be fined Tk 10,000 or given three months’ jail or both for reckless driving and risky overtakes.
The experts said that as there are laws and regulations, the high-ranking individuals should respect and set example for others to follow the rule of law.