Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned to take steps so that drivers cannot engage in races on highways and roads.
"You (authorities concerned) have to ensure that the drivers cannot engage in races on highways and roads so that road accidents can be avoided," she said on Saturday.
The premier said this while inaugurating the four-lane second Kanchpur Bridge on the Shitalakkhya River, four-lane flyover at Bhulta and a railway overpass at Latifpur on Dhaka-Sylhet highway through videoconference from her official residence, Ganabhaban.
She said modern technologies, including cameras and speed-guns, have to be installed to prevent drivers from engaging in races.
"Accidents on roads have come down as we have taken various initiatives, but we have to take more steps," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said sometimes exhausted drivers hand over the steering to their helpers, which is wrong.
"If you (drivers) hand over the steering to your helpers, they must have driving licences.
"In the past, these issues were not addressed properly, but now those are being dealt with," she said.
The prime minister then urged the people to adhere to rules when commuting and said: "I request all to abide by traffic rules when on the roads."
Mentioning that drivers are being held responsible for any type of accident, the prime minister said there should also be inquiries to further investigate who or what is responsible for the accident.
The premier also put emphasis on allowing drivers to take enough rest and providing proper meals to them on time.
Sheikh Hasina asked the authorities concerned to be strict on allowing overweight trucks for plying bridges.
"There should be weighing machine at every bridge point...the weight management should strictly be maintained.... otherwise the bridges will not last longer," she further stressed.
Briefly describing various development activities of the government for developing the communications system of the country, the prime minister said the government is very sincere about the balanced development across the country.