Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Qauder on Thursday said his main priority is to restore discipline in the road and transport sector.
"No project will yield good results if the road and transport sector is in chaos. If there is no discipline in the sector, then we will not benefit from the implementation of mega projects, so discipline has to be restored,” Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said while addressing reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday.
He added that he had already sat for a meeting with officials of his ministry and given directives in this regard, as per the orders of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
When asked how he would restore discipline in the road and transport sector, Quader said he had his own techniques, while there are also some general means that are known to everyone.
“Small vehicles create chaos on highways, and the reckless riding of motorcycles has become a new threat in the capital,” he added. "These problems need to be fixed, but the work is not so easy. If we all work together, it is possible to solve these problems."
The minister also said it was his challenge to finish a number of ongoing projects, with work on the Dhaka-Sylhet four-lane highway and Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar four-lane highway set to begin soon.
The construction work for the Dhaka-Sylhet four-lane highway is set to begin by June, while work on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar four-lane highway will begin later.
In addition, the construction of the Gazipur-Elenga four-lane highway is set to be completed by June, Quader added.
Regarding the appointment of personal secretaries as members of cabinet by the prime minister, Quader said: “I think this is good, as the prime minister chose them after already knowing about all their qualities.”
