Motorcyclists on Dhaka streets. Star file photo

The government today banned motorcyclists from carrying passengers until further notice following arson by drive-by miscreants amid political turmoil in the country.

The order from Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges came this afternoon, four days after two Eden College girls were burned in a drive-by arson attack near Jatiya Sangsad in Dhaka during BNP-led 20-party alliance’s countrywide blockade.

In violation of the order, law enforcers will take necessary actions in line with the Motor Vehicle Act of 1983, the order said.

The order has been issued to ensure security of the people in view of motorcycles being used to create violence and sabotage throughout the country, the order read.

Shathi, a student of Eden College, being taken into the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Sunday, January 18, 2015, the 13th day of a blockade being enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance. She and two other fellow college mates were injured after alleged pickets riding on a motorcycle hurled a petrol bomb in the bus they were in near the Jatiya Sangsad. Photo: Banglar Chokh

At least 28 people, including 17 without reported affiliation to politics, died in the violence between Awami League and BNP centering the first anniversary of January 5 national polls.

This restriction on plying of motorcycles comes in line with the government’s warning of taking stern measures to curb 20-party combine’s violence.

The order, dated today, said it was signed by the ministry’s deputy secretary Mohammad Mehehi Hasan under orders from President Abdul Hamid.