The National Road Safety Day will be observed in a befitting manner in the country on Tuesday (Oct 22).
This year’s theme of the day is: ‘Jiboner Age Jibika Noy, Sarak Durghatana Ar Noy’ (Livelihood is not before life, no more road accident).
The Road Transport and Bridges Ministry has drawn up various programmes including souvenir publication, discussion, procession and road safety campaign.
Marking the day, a colorful procession will be brought out from the South Plaza of the parliament at 7.30 am.
A discussion will be held at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium at 10 am.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the function as the chief guest.
President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages on the eve of the National Road Safety Day.
The President, in his message, said there is no alternative to advanced transport facilities for sustainable economic and social development.
He said the government is committed to reduce 50 percent road accidents in the second decade of the 21st century.
To build a coordinated communication system, countrywide massive infrastructural development plan has been taken, he said.
The President said Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Mymensingh highways have already been upgraded to four lanes and mega projects like Dhaka Elevated Expressway, bus rapid transit are being implemented.
He said the Padma Bridge is now visible with domestic fund.
Besides, multifaceted initiatives and programmes, including upgrading other highways to four or more than four lanes, construction of flyovers and overpasses, making traffic signs and road markings, construction of restrooms beside highways, imparting training to drivers, have been taken, he said.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said advanced communication infrastructures and sufficient transport facilities are the pre-requisites to economic and social development.
She said after the independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had built a proper transportation system within a short time by repairing and reconstructing the war-ravaged roads.
Following the footsteps of Bangabandhu, the Awami League government has been implementing massive programmes to build a developed road communication infrastructures in the country, she said.
The premier said the government is putting emphasis on strengthening road safety side by side with making massive development of the country’s road transport system.
She said the government’s target is to build a modern, technology based and sustainable safe highways network.
The prime minister said road accident can claim lives and make a person paralyzed. An accident can be the reason for untold sufferings for individuals and their families for the entire life, she added.
She urged all to be conscious about careful driving in controlled speed.
The President and the Prime Minister wished success of all programmes of the day.
Marking the day, documentary on road safety will be showed at key points in the city including bus terminals at 4pm.
Leaflets, posters and stickers will be distributed to make aware the transport owners, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Besides, BTV and other electronic media will air special programmes to raise awareness among the people.
The day will also be observed at district and upazila levels amid processions, discussions and screening of awareness raising documentary.