Police in Rajshahi city have started the “no helmet, no petrol” campaign, following the lead from Rangpur, Dhaka, and Barisal.
On Thursday, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Traffic Division gave directions to filling station owners to not sell fuel to bikers without helmets. Apart from this, if three people are seen riding a bike, the same measure will be taken.
Also read- No helmet, no petrol: Rangpur police kick off an unconventional campaign
RMP spokesperson and Traffic Division Assistant Commissioner (AC), IftekhairAlam, said: “We have taken the decision to raise awareness and reduce road accidents among bikers.”
AC Iftekhair also said: “There are 24 petrol pumps in the 12 RMP station jurisdictions, and at most of the pumps, instructional banners have been put up. If any pump is found disobeying the instructions, action will be taken against them.”
Rajshahi Filling Station Owners’ Association President, Mominul Haque, and General Secretary, Md Shimul, said they have directed the pump owners of their association to follow police directives.
Also read- No helmet, no fuel: Dhaka and Barisal follow Rangpur’s example
Meanwhile, a traffic awareness workshop was arranged by the RMP at Mamun Mahmud School and College.
On Saturday evening, Rangpur police administration and the Petrol Pump Owners’ Association decided to stop selling fuel to motorcycle riders without helmets.
The campaign began on Sunday morning with policemen deployed at petrol pumps and other important areas of the city to implement the decision.
Following Rangpur, Barisal and Dhaka police also joined the campaign on Tuesday, and Feni police later joined the campaign on Wednesday. In Dhaka, the matter was confirmed by DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Tuesday.
The move comes a month after students held nationwide protests for safer roads – enforcing traffic laws, checking licences and papers, and forcing motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Hundreds of drivers had cases filed against them during the protests.
The movement started when two students lost their lives on July 29, on Dhaka’s Airport Road, due to a reckless bus driver.
