Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday said the proposed Road Transport Act will bring discipline in the transport sector as the act kept a provision of harsher punishment according to the gravity of accident.

‘People are dying like birds and flies. Once the act gets passed the sector will come under control,’ said Obaidul while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Bardhan Shringla at the Secretariat, reports the UNB.

‘Whatever provisions are required for the interest of the public, will be kept at the proposed act after discussing in a Cabinet meeting.’ he said.

Talking about the public transport, the minister said the BRTC buses were plying on the roads but the owners of private buses went off the street fearing vandalism or arson attack. ‘Though I have requested the bus owners to operate buses on the roads to mitigate the public sufferings,’ he added.

Talking about BNP moves, the Awami League leader said ‘There is no way for BNP. They will depend on quota movement and students’ movement as they have no courage and ability to do anything.’

Responding to a query, the minister said the projects under Line of Credit (LoC) with India were discussed. ‘A total of 1100 vehicles including 300 double decker buses will be brought from India under LoC.’

Besides, Mainamati-Sarail, Agartala and Akhaura roads will be upgraded into four lanes involving Tk 5,000 crore under LoC, said Obaidul.

Replying to a question about concern over many Indians living in Assam losing nationality, the minister said the Indian High Commissioner Harsh Bardhan Shringla said that there is a court order over the Assam issue and the matter was not finalised yet.