Communications Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday revealed the government plans to import environment friendly taxis for the convenience of city dwellers.
State-run news agency BSS reported that around 6,000 vehicles would be imported under the initiative.
Speaking to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority officials at its office, the minister reportedly asked them to “invite tenders by May 20 on a priority basis for importing at least 250 vehicles.”
He reasoned that the “terms and conditions for importing taxis have been relaxed.”
The minister went on to say that every vehicle to be imported should have a minimum engine capacity of 1,500cc.
Quader also said in the views exchange meeting that they were working to increase the number of CNG-run auto-rickshaws permitted to ply in Dhaka and Chittagong.
The minister pointed out that the government has created 11 magisterial posts, empowered to form mobile courts and combat corruption and irregularities in the BRTA.
He warned officials of the transport watchdog against irregularities, corruption and negligence to duties and asked its chairman to maintain transparency in appointments and activities.
Quader also briefed that the BRTA had so far issued 78,000 digital number plates for vehicles along with distributing over 400,000 smart card licences to drivers.
He said: “We need political commitment and decisions to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce accidents, because administrative measures alone are insufficient.”
The minister also said that the number of makeshift human haulers like Karimon, Nasimon and Votvotis are rising alarmingly on the highways, along with the number of electric easy-bikes.