New York: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has called for stronger institutions, better coordination and greater accountability to accelerate global efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries.
The minister made the remarks while co-chairing a multi-stakeholder panel session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, held in recognition of Bangladesh’s leadership in advancing road safety, according to an official message received in Dhaka.
Referring to the Progress Declaration, Rabiul Alam stressed the importance of close coordination among transport, health, police, finance, education, environment and local government authorities to effectively implement road safety initiatives.
He said such coordination should be supported by clearly defined institutional responsibilities, coherent public policies and effective implementation mechanisms.
The minister also highlighted the important role of local governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and young people in promoting safer roads, saying their contributions must be complemented by strong political leadership and accountability from governments.
He urged participants to focus on practical ways to translate political commitments into effective institutions, coordinated implementation and measurable reductions in road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety, being held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Other members of the Bangladesh delegation include Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury.
