Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said that the government is working on a plan to allow public transport to resume operations once the ongoing lockdown is over.
He made his remarks at a views-exchange meeting with the officials of Barishal Road Zone, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
The Minister joined the meeting virtually from his official residence.
He said bus owners and workers will face tough action if any bus carries passengers more than 50 percent of its capacity or charges additional fare.
Earlier on May 31, the government raised the fares of all kinds of transportations by 60% as the vehicles are allowed to carry only half passengers of the total seats to ensure social distancing.
Turning to a false campaign over the Digital Security Act, the Awami League general secretary said: ”A particular political party is providing money and helping a vested quarter spread false propaganda both at home and abroad using the social media.”
Alleging that the opposition criticized the action taken by the government against those who violated the Cyber Crime Rules or Digital Security Act by spreading rumors, the minister said: ”There’s no reason to think that you’ll be out of government action.”
The government is committed to providing digital security to people while rumors and propaganda seriously disrupt security, hen said.
Quader also directed the officials concerned to take effective measures to upgrade the Faridpur-Bhanga-Barisal road to four-lane.
The Minister also urged everyone to follow health protocols even if the lockdown is relaxed, use of masks and hand sanitizers should be made mandatory.