DNCC goes tough on unsafe vehicles

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan on Friday announced a crackdown on unfit vehicles and unlicensed or unskilled drivers following the death of a conservancy worker in a road accident while on duty in the capital’s Madhya Badda area.

Speaking after visiting the home of deceased sanitation worker Shefali Begum, Safiqul said the drive would be carried out in coordination with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

He also warned that legal action would be taken if any DNCC vehicle was found being driven by an unqualified driver or if an investigation found that a helper had been operating a city corporation vehicle.

The visit followed instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who directed the authorities to immediately meet the victim’s family after learning of the fatal accident.

In response, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor and the DNCC administrator visited the family’s residence.

Safiqul said conservancy workers serve the city day and night to keep it clean and stressed that their safety must be ensured while carrying out their duties.

The DNCC announced Tk 4 lakh in financial assistance for Shefali Begum’s family along with one year’s salary.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the administrator urged motorists to drive responsibly and avoid reckless behaviour to help prevent road accidents.

DNCC Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir and other officials were present during the visit.