PM consults experts to bring discipline to Dhaka's transport system

On Monday, the prime minister met a group of experts led by engineerDr. Md Shamsul Haque, Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

After a meeting with the Prime Minister, Shamsul Haque said, ''I understand that transportation is a major problem. We must solve it and we need to provide a people-friendly public transport system.''

He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, having spent 16 years in London, has closely observed developed public transportation systems. ''We discussed this issue for two hours.''

''The Prime Minister is interested to ensure that the metro system functions in its own capacity, but in coordination with other metro versions and transport modes so that the entire system operates in an integrated manner.''

Shamsul Haque added that, as an initial step, the Prime Minister is prioritising the introduction of safe and appealing public transport services for women. In the primary phase, there will be women-friendly and secure public transport -- buses to be driven by women.

Dr. Haque noted that the Prime Minister's strongest interest lies in beginning electrification through buses. He wants to start with electric bus-based public transport within 180 days, particularly for women.