State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak has violated traffic rules again while riding a motorcycle without any helmet in his Natore 3 constituency.
Around 8:30pm on Sunday, Palak on his Facebook account posted four photos of his visit to the under-construction Chalanbeel Digital City — a facility housing four institutions including a high-tech park, at Singra upazila.
Two of the pictures showed he was on a motorbike without any helmet, while his followers, who were accompanying him in the visit, also did not appear to have worn helmets.
Dhaka Tribune tried several times for his comment on the issue Monday morning, but could not reach him.
When asked, Singra Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Jamil Reza said the state minister was on the visit with police protocol and Singra police station Inspector (investigation) Md Selim Reza was assigned for the purpose.
Inspector Selim, however, said they were not present on the spot at the moment when the pictures were taken.
This is the second time Palak seemed to have broken the road safety rule.
Earlier on January 8, 2019, Palak garnered widespread criticism on social media, for taking a pillion ride on a motorbike without a helmet.
He breached the traffic rules on the first day of his second term in office, which he claimed happened because of his rush to be at work on time.
The state minister rode to his workplace in Agargaon, Dhaka from his NAM Bhaban residence and posted three photos of the trip on his Facebook page, which drew heavy criticism from netizens.
Even mass media covered the incident, generating a huge audience and readership, which ultimately caused him to express regret. But after the incident, Palak argued the for-hire motorbiker could not provide him with a helmet.
