The Transport Labour and Owners’ Association leaders on Monday urged the government to withdraw all accidental cases, which were filed under section 302 of the penal code.
They also sought immediate intervention of the government to stop all kind of irregularities in the sector, especially taking extortion from the transport owners.
They came up with the demands while holding a meeting with Home Minister MK Alamgir at his office on Wednesday. The leaders of the organisation placed their eight-point demand during the meeting.
The meeting was called to discuss and resolve the problems of the transport sector of the country following an announcement of enforcing a 72 hours symbolic strike from September 23.
Bangladesh Sarak Poribahan Shramik Federation called the strike. Later, the federation leaders decided to postpone it as the home minister assured them of taking immediate steps to meet their demands.
While talking to journalists, MK Alamgir said: “We have decided to resolve their problems discussing with the ministries concerned. It will take some times to implement all the decisions. But, it will be implemented as per the discussion.”
The minister said that the leaders also demanded to withdraw five accidental cases that were filed under the section 302 of the penal code across the country.
He said: “We have decided to the review the cases and ask the district magistrates to take steps in this regard.”
According to the penal code, only the intentional killing cases will be filed under section 302.
“So far we understand no accident occurs intentionally. So, the cases filed under section 302 were not filed properly. They should be filed under section 304,” he added.
It was decided at the meeting that the owners will issue appointment letters to all transport workers within the next three months.
Among others, Communication Minister Obaidul Quader, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, Home Ministry’s Additional Secretary Mainuddin Khandokar and Bangladesh Sarak Poribahan Samity’s General Secretary Khandokar Enayet Ullah attended the meeting.
