‘Take action against unauthorised sleeper buses’

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered action against the operation of unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses as the government moves to ease traffic congestion, modernise traffic management and restore discipline in the transport sector.

The directives came at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon Office on Saturday, where officials discussed Dhaka’s worsening traffic situation, pressure on major roads and flyovers, public transport management, bus terminal reorganisation, parking facilities and modernisation of the traffic system.

The meeting also decided to introduce an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at toll plazas on expressways and flyovers to make toll collection faster and more efficient.

An app will be developed as part of the initiative, with the prime minister directing the authorities concerned to complete the work within four months.

Tarique Rahman stressed the need for stronger coordination among the relevant agencies and instructed officials to complete their assigned tasks within the stipulated timeframe to help reduce congestion in the capital.

The prime minister also directed the authorities to take necessary action against unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses.

The move comes amid concerns over the safety and regulation of sleeper buses, several of which have been damaged in recent accidents.

The meeting reviewed a range of measures aimed at improving transport management, including the reorganisation of bus terminals, expansion of parking facilities and modernisation of traffic systems.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, the Cabinet secretary, the prime minister’s principal secretary and other senior officials concerned attended the meeting.