Addressing a convention he said, " It's a fact recognised at the government level by now."

The chairman said transport owners, workers and brokers often exert undue pressure to get the licenses.

The convention was organised by Nirapad Sarak Chai, a movement for safe road, at Mohanagar Natyamancha in the city.

Speaking as chief guest, Communications Minister Nazmul Huda said accidents occurred not only for untrained and unruly drivers but also for lack of awareness among the pedestrians.

Referring to recent tragic road accidents in front of Jahangirnagar University campus, he said, "I don't understand why these educated people do not cross the road carefully."

The minister said Bangladesh's proposal to declare October 22 as the International Safe Road Day is under active consideration of the UN.

Ilias Kanchan, a popular film star, started the Nirapad Sarak Chai movement following the death of his wife Jahanara Kanchan in a road accident on October 22, 1993.

The government has recognised October 22 as the Safe Road Day and has been observing the day for the last two years undertaking various programmes to create social awareness about the tragic consequences of road accident.

Deputy Minister for Land Ruhul Kuddus Talukder said it is not the responsibility of an individual Ilias Kanchan to move the movement forward, people from all walks of life have to come forward to make it a success.

Chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai Ilias Kanchan and Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Faruq Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.