PM Hasina: All drivers must undergo dope test

All drivers must undergo dope test to prevent accidents and ensure that no drug users are driving on the roads, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

She made the statement on Thursday while addressing an event on the occasion of National Road Safety Day 2020, organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, attending the event from Ganabhaban through videoconference.

“Dope tests are necessary for each and every driver and they must undergo the process,” said the premier.

The prime minister also instructed the authorities concerned to stop reckless speeding and unhealthy overtaking on the roads.

“Our drivers have a tendency to overtake. Whenever another vehicle crosses them, they try to overtake it and cause accidents. This has to be stopped too,“ she added.

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Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities concerned to issue driving licences with transparency.

She said driver need to be trained well and undergo a proper test to check if they really know how to drive before they are issued a licence.

“We do not want to see anybody getting a driving licence through bribery,” the prime minister added.

The premier also gave directives that no car should hit the road without proper fitness.

“Vehicles need to have proper fitness, which should be tested too,” she added.

The prime minister said everyone should maintain and follow traffic rules.

“Obeying traffic rules is applicable for all. Drivers as well as pedestrians need to be aware. There is a great lack of awareness,” she added.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also gave a speech in the program.