Hi-tech number plates for vehicles launched

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday launched retro-reflective number plates with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and digital registration certificates (vehicle ownership card) aiming to bring discipline and improved services in the sector.

She said that the country's transport sector had entered a new era with the introduction of the retro-reflective number plates with radiofrequency identification tags.

She also expressed hope that the system would ensure transparency in and accountability of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), besides raising its capability and efficiency.

About the new system, the Prime Minister said at a function at the Prime Minister's Office, "The digital system has been introduced to ensure facilities for all including vehicle owners, drivers, controllers and the law enforcers."

With the introduction of the system, she said the owners of automobiles and passengers would be free from many hassles. "It will be of help to know how many vehicles a person owns."

Hasina thanked the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) for its cooperation to launch the system.

She also urged the people to abide by traffic rules and directed the Communication and Home ministries to generate mass awareness about the rules.

In this connection, she stressed the need for educating the school students first about the traffic rules.
Laying special emphasis on awareness among the common people about the traffic rules, the Prime Minister urged the countrymen not to take law into their hands after any road accident.

"Don't take law into own hands after any accident … don't beat anyone," she said.

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) Chairman General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and Acting Secretary of the Roads Division M A N Siddique also spoke on the occasion.