A committee headed by former shipping minister Shajahan Khan has produced a draft report on preventing road accidents and bringing discipline in the road transport sector recently. The report contained a 111-point recommendation, which includes formation of a road safety authority under the prime minister's supervision. It said the authority would draw up plans in coordination with the agencies concerned, monitor the agencies' work as well as identify the accident-prone zones and come up with solutions. This 111-point recommendation submitted by Mr Khan seems like eyewash.

Mr Khan has been a controversial trade union leader. Like him, many high-level political leaders are patronising the transport sector labour unions across the country. They dominate the sector and are responsible for the chaos on our roads. The alleged nexus between the law enforcement agencies and the leaders of the transport sector, reinforced further by political patronage, is often held responsible for the chaotic situation. How the government deals with the labour unions and the politically powerful transport owners is what will decide the future of this sector.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Satish Sarker Road

Gandaria, Dhaka