The government has slapped an indefinite ban on pillion passengers on motorbikes until further notice following arson by drive-by miscreants amid political turmoil in the country.
Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has issued a circular in this regard on Thursday.
According to the circular, the ban has been imposed under section 88 of the Motorcycle Act, 1983, and it would remain effective until further notice. The order will take effect immediately.”
The notice read the decision was taken following several incidents in which motorbikes with pillion passengers were involved in hurling petrol and homemade bombs.
Exploding crude bombs in public places, especially on the streets and conducting arson attacks on vehicles by using motorbike have become a common practice.
The BNP-led 20-party alliance has been enforcing a nationwide roads and waterways blockade since January 5, protesting BNP chief Khaleda Zia's confinement.
Khaleda Zia had been kept confined to her Gulshan party office since January 3. Later on January 12, the barricades were romoved from in front of her political office.
However, she declared to continue the blockade until further announcement.
The current blockade has been marked by violence and sporadic clashes between the police and protesters, leaving a number of people killed and injured. More than 30 people have been killed so far.
In wake of such situation, the Awami League-led 14-part alliance has decided to form “Terrorism Prevention Committees” in district level to stop any attempt that would affect the security and safety of the countrymen.
Political tensions between the Awami League-led Government and the BNP-led 20-party alliance have been increased in January 2015 on the first anniversary of the January 5, 2014 parliamentary elections, which the BNP boycotted.
Earlier on January 1, 2014, the government imposed ban on carrying passengers on motorbikes in order to control sabotage.
