Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said an evil force is spreading rumours and propaganda on various issues against the government but there would have no benefit in doing so as the government has a very strong footing on this soil.
“Some people are making evil attempts to incite the two forces centring the tragic death of the ex-army officer. The people remain conscious about the issue,” he said.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said some people are daydreaming to oust the government by creating issues over such incidents but there would be no benefit in spreading propaganda as the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has a deep-rooted footing on this soil.
He was addressing a view-exchange meeting with officials of Khulna road zone, BRTA and BRTC at the Roads and Highways Department here, joining it as part of regular discussions from his official residence through videoconferencing, reports BSS.
The minister said legal procedure has already begun over the death incident of retired army officer as the government is very sincere to this end.
He urged all concerned to remain alert to stop the spread of rumours on social media at home and abroad for the sake of uncovering the truth through proper investigation.
The minister said Sheikh Hasina’s government will not allow anyone to create issues over such incidents rather it will take immediate action to resolve the matter.
Turning to the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, Quader said different countries are witnessing fresh outbreak of the deadly virus while Bangladesh now stands at the 15th position surpassing Italy in terms of confirmed positive cases.
Though the country witnessed a curve trend of virus transmission over the last several weeks, it seems the rate of confirmed positive cases increased in the current week with the increase of sample testing, he said.
On the other hand, the minister said, there is laxity among the people in following health guidelines, including wearing of facemask, and many having symptoms of Covid-19 are not interested in testing samples.
He said the people’s disinterest in sample testing could push the current situation towards further risks anytime.
Quader urged all concerned to intensify the ongoing conciseness raising efforts among people upholding the importance of wearing mask.
He also called upon socio-cultural and professional bodies to come forward to this end.
About resuming of courts, he said judicial activities have begun at the lower courts taking into consideration the matters of public interests and the justice-seekers are urging the law ministry and judiciary to make mandatory following health guidelines, including wearing facemasks at courts.
Turning to Eid journey, the road transport minister said the journey of Eid holidaymakers on highways was comfortable apart from the hassles on Dhaka-Tangail route and at ferry ghats.
Extending thanks to law enforcement agencies, district administrations, road engineers, transport owners and workers’ organisations, he reiterated his call to the transport owners and workers to run vehicles abiding by the traffic rules with caution to check road accidents on return journey after the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha.
He also urged the law enforcement agencies, especially highway police, to continue its monitoring activities on roads and highways to avert any untoward incidents.
Pointing to all officials under the ministry and its divisions and offices, he said performance will be evaluated side by side with qualifications in terms of promotion and posting.
The mentality of providing service, optimum utilisation of government money and diligence of officials will be evaluated, he said, adding that rewards will be given for good works while action will be taken for misdeeds or wrongdoings.
He urged all employees to work with utmost sincerity and devotion for the betterment of the nation.