The Road Transport and Highways Division issued a “no helmet, no fuel” directive last month, stating that motorcycle riders not wearing helmets will be denied fuel at filling stations. Now the Energy and Mineral Resources Division is taking measures to ensure compliance with this rule.
The move aims to ensure safety amid an increase in motorcycle-related road accidents in the country.
Many people travel to their villages or hometowns on motorbikes for Eid. Notably, each year during both the outbound and return trips related to the two Eids, these vehicles are frequently involved in road accidents.
In Dhaka, motorcyclists wear helmets due to strict enforcement by traffic police. However, on regional roads or highways, helmet use is rare. If there is a passenger, even if the rider wears a helmet, the passenger behind him in most cases does not.
Motorcycles serve as a popular mode of quick transportation nationwide, but they are also prone to accidents. Many young individuals rely on these two-wheelers, with a significant increase in motorcycle use in and outside the capital in recent years.
During the last Eid-ul-Fitr, motorcycles ranked highest among vehicles involved in road crashes, according to data from the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, a passenger welfare association. One hundred sixty-five people died and 240 sustained injuries in 198 motorcycle accidents during Eid travel, accounting for 49.62% of the total number of road accidents, 40.54% of fatalities and 30.37% of injuries during the period.
A letter dated June 5, signed by the deputy secretary of the energy division, contains instructions regarding the "no helmet, no fuel" directive issued by the Road Transport and Highways Division on May 20. The directive applies to motorcyclists and passengers under Section 124 of the Road Transport Act. The letter stresses that motorcycle riders and refuelling station owners must adhere to these instructions, or else legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law.
The letter also instructs oil companies and filling station owners to take measures accordingly.
An energy division official, on condition of anonymity, said the directive was not being followed outside Dhaka, adding that the authorities were looking into the matter.
With the increasing use of motorcycles, even in rural areas, the energy division was enforcing strict measures keeping in mind the safety of the general public, the official said.
The official emphasized that people would no longer be allowed to purchase fuel if they did not use helmets.
