Proposed separate lane for VIPs unconstitutional: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today urged the cabinet division to revoke its proposal for separate lane for the VIPs, terming it unconstitutional and discriminatory.

"We are worried over the proposal as it is a clear violation of the constitution and abuse of power. It is also discriminatory," TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said in a press statement.  

TIB thinks that giving unconstitutional and unethical facility to a special group including VIPs and law enforcers by taking initiative to make a separate lane is suicidal for democratic practice, he said.

“We hope that the government would not encourage such move,” he said.

The cabinet division in December last year gave a proposal to the Road Transport and Highway Division for making separate lane for important persons and emergency services, and the proposal is now placed to the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) for its opinion.

Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam on Monday said, "A normal request was sent from the Cabinet Division for vetting."

Explaining the rationale for the move while replying to a query, Shafiul Alam said the vehicles carrying VIPs often take the wrong sides of the road, creating traffic chaos.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman also said that the logic the cabinet division has given to justify the proposal is also unacceptable because everyone is bound to obey the law irrespective to their identity and position. 

“Logic given by the cabinet division to justify making separate lane proves that many of such VIPs are violating traffic rules regularly,” the TIB executive director said adding, “Effective measures have to be taken to stop such tendency and law breakers, whoever he is, to be brought to book to ensure discipline in transport sector.”

Meanwhile, the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways has termed the proposal as irrational, unethical and unacceptable, according to a press statement.

“Instead of taking effective measures to solve traffic jam problem, making special lane to facilitate the movement of a special group of people will create class division in society and state, which will intensify city dwellers’ suffering in many folds,” it read.

People don’t expect such a move from the state, the statement added.