Highways Bill placed in parliament

The Highways Bill, 2021 was placed in Parliament on Saturday, aiming to have a full-fledged law replacing a century-old one in this regard.

Highways and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader placed the bill and it was sent to the parliamentary standing committee concerned for further scrutiny. The committee was asked to submit its report within four weeks.

Also read - Leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition Bill placed in parliament

There is a law of 1925 (Highways Act, 1925), comprising only five clauses, which are inadequate to deal with maintenance, management and construction of highways.

The provisions of punishment have also been kept in the case of violation of the proposed law. The punishment will be a maximum of two years’ imprisonment or Tk5,000-Tk5 lakh fine.