File photo of a filling station Dhaka Tribune

Under the campaign, filling stations will not supply fuel to motorcycle riders who do not have a helmet with them

The “no helmet, no fuel” campaign, which began in Rangpur on Sunday, has now spread to Dhaka and Barisal.

The campaign was implemented in the two cities yesterday.

Under the campaign, filling stations will not supply fuel to motorcycle riders who do not have a helmet with them.

The move comes a month after students held nationwide protests for safer roads – enforcing traffic laws, checking licences and papers, and forcing motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Hundreds of drivers had cases filed against them during the protests.

In Dhaka, the matter was confirmed by DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference organized at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre on Tuesday, for the month-long traffic management program, he also said: “We have already spoken to filling station owners and they have promised us they will not sell fuel to motorcycle riders unless they have a helmet.”

In Barisal, metropolitan police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Khairul Alam said: “Fuel traders have agreed to participate in the campaign and not sell fuel to motorcycle riders who do not have the necessary protective gear. Helmets protect riders and passengers from head injuries and will reduce the number of lives lost in road accidents.”

Also Read- No helmet, no petrol: Rangpur police kick off an unconventional campaign

Enayet Hossain Chowdhury, a leader of Barisal Citizens’ Society, said: “This is a good initiative to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders. It should be mandatory for a person to acquire a driving licence before they buy a motorcycle, and for motorcycles to have digital number plates to prevent their use in crimes.”

On Saturday evening, the Rangpur Police Administration and the Petrol Pump Owners’ Association decided to stop selling fuel to motorcycle riders without a helmet.

The campaign began on Sunday with policemen deployed at a few petrol pumps and other important areas of the city to ensure implementation of Saturday’s decision.

Police also seized the motorbikes of riders who were not wearing helmets only letting the bikes go after owners brought their helmets.

The campaign drew mixed reactions from residents, but most welcomed it.

Rangpur Additional Police Superintendent (SP) Saifur Rahman, who initiated the campaign, said: "This campaign will continue in different areas of Rangpur."

Additional reporting by Anisur Rahman Swapan from Barisal and Liakat Ali Badal from Rangpur