Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday said dope tests will be made obligatory for the vehicle drivers and they should get appointment letters within two months.
The minister said this to journalists after attending a meeting of the task force on law and order on roads at the secretariat, reports UNB.
He said, along with these, the decision to not allow money collection in the name of associations on the roads was also taken at the meeting.
"Except in terminals any money collection on the roads will not be allowed. Even the tax courts formed in the district and upazila levels won't be allowed to collect money from anywhere," said Asaduzzaman Khan.
The minister said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been asked to take action in this regard.
The home minister said a committee, led by Bangladesh Road Transport Association (BRTA) chairman, has been formed to examine how long the old private and government vehicles can operate on the roads.
"The decision to form the committee was made as the expired old vehicles often cause accidents on the roads," he added.
Asaduzzaman Khan said arrangements will be made in phases to conduct dope tests at the terminals and drivers will be tested immediately before driving.
He said BRTA has started the dope tests from January 30 before providing licenses.
"After two months we will check whether the owners have provided appointment letters to staff, drivers as it is in the law," he said.
The minister said a decision was made to make the issuance of the driving license process easier for the drivers’ future.