Illegal backdoor channels have become a popular choice for people without driving skills to skip the required tests and acquire driving licenses for additional fees.
Brokers, usually posing as internal officers of the BRTA, constantly lurk around the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in the capital’s Mirpur 13 area, looking for licence-seekers who might be willing to pay some extra cash to skip the lengthy official processes.
It was around 10am yesterday when SM Sumon, who was waiting in front of the information booth at the BRTA’s Mirpur office, was approached by a broker.
Shahin, the broker, asked Sumon if he wanted to be issued a licence. When Sumon replied that he did not know how to drive, Shahin said: “It is okay. You have to fill up the learners form and the rest of the work will be done by us. But you have to pay extra money to get a license through backdoor channels.
“It will cost over Tk10,000 for an illegal licence but you will get it within two months. You also do not need to go for the driving test, as we will manage it.
Around 15-20 brokers like Shahin operate outside the BRTA office, with each individual securing the service of potential clients from respective territories that include the car parking lot, both sides of the entrance and in front of the information counter.
Monir, another broker, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We usually get two or three clients every day. Every group usually has a minimum of two members and takes minimum Tk1,000 from each client. So, we can earn Tk2,000- 4,000 per day.”
Firoz Alam, who needs to ride a motorcycle for his job as a medical representative, said: “I went to the BRTA for driving license and a broker did all the things. I only filled up a learners form and provided attested medical certificate.”
Another applicant, Hanif Sarker, said he had learnt a little driving during his six-month stint as a pickup van helper. Later, he made a deal for Tk10,500 with a broker and got the driving licence within two-and-half months.
Rajib Rahman, another licence-seeker, however was determined to get his documentation through the legal channels.
“Although brokers tried to lure me, they failed. I will wait whatever time it takes to be issued a legal driving license. I have passed five months roaming around the office,” he said.
The legal process of issuing license takes around five to seven months and costs around Tk7,500.
Applicants require passing a driving test for their licences, but the test can be bypassed if brokers are hired to acquire the licence.
According to the BRTA, the country has 45 driving schools and the number of authorized driving license is 982,475.
BRTA Director (engineering) Saiful Haque said: “The BRTA established a board called Driving Competency Test Board for issuing licences. The board issues certificate for those who pass the driving test. So, it is not possible for anyone to get a licence without knowing how to drive.”
Saying he was not aware of any backdoor channels, Saiful added that punishment would be handed out if there was proof against anyone or if anyone was caught red-handed for being involved in illegal business.