The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has announced that approximately 14,000 unfit buses and trucks currently operating under its approval across the country will be banned from plying the roads starting May.
This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and restore discipline in the transportation sector.
This information was disclosed on Wednesday during a discussion meeting at the VIC Center of the BRTA's divisional office in Mirpur, Dhaka.
BRTA Chairman Md Yasin said: "Looking at the condition of the buses in the capital, it’s clear what their state is. That’s why we have decided that no unfit buses will be allowed to operate on the roads from May next year. Discussions have already been held with the vehicle owners in this regard. Additionally, plans are being made to launch operations by magistrates to restore discipline on the roads."
He further added: "There will be no further opportunities for operating these unfit vehicles. The bus owners have requested loans on easy terms to purchase new buses. BRTA has informed the government about this request, and the government will provide loan facilities through banks on easy terms. Alongside this, we will also launch training centers for bus drivers and contractors."
BRTA Director Shitangshu Shekhar said: "Since independence, data for all registered vehicles has been recorded and stored on BRTA's servers. Nationwide, approximately 14,000 buses and trucks authorized by BRTA have exceeded their lifespan."
During the discussion meeting, Jahir Al Latif, the newly elected organizing secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, said: "You will witness significant improvements in Dhaka’s transport system within the next three to six months."
Abdur Rahim Dudu, president of the Road Transport Workers Federation, said: "Our country's drivers have not received institutional education. We need to include road accident awareness topics in our textbooks. Moreover, we have requested the police to keep the left lane of the roads clear. However, no cooperation has been received from the police in this regard."