The Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, has given a one-month deadline to officials of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to improve service standards in the country's transport sector.
He warned that if improvements are not made within this period, action would be taken against all levels of BRTA officials, including the chairman.
The directive was issued during a meeting titled ‘Strengthening Discipline in the Road Transport Sector, Reducing Traffic Congestion in Dhaka City and Controlling Air Pollution,’ held at the Electricity Bhaban on Thursday.
In a press briefing following the meeting, Khan stated that BRTA has been given one month to improve, especially ensuring the availability of driving licenses. He emphasized the need to prevent unfit vehicles from operating on roads and suggested involving the private sector in the fitness certification process if necessary.
Fouzul also mentioned that areas prone to traffic congestion in Dhaka, such as railway crossings and flyover entry/exit points, should be identified.
He directed the traffic police to take action within two days to improve the congestion situation within a week.
He also suggested that vehicles causing traffic due to illegal parking should be impounded rather than fined.
Regarding the proposal to launch school buses, the Adviser said that he would send a letter to the Ministry of Education and meet with them to discuss alternatives to the traffic caused by haphazard bus stops. Transport owners have reportedly assured of introducing services similar to those in Gulshan for smoother traffic flow.
The Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, Ehsanul Haque, announced that from February 25, experimental company-based bus services would begin on nine routes under the nationalization of bus routes.
Fouzul further mentioned that all buses over 20 years old must be removed from Dhaka by May.
Owners will be assisted by the government in obtaining bank loans for this purpose.
In addressing air pollution, Environment Adviser Syeda Rezwana Hasan revealed that a task force has been formed to combat pollution.
While it may not be possible to eliminate pollution within a month or a year, efforts are underway to reduce public suffering caused by it.
She pointed out that brick kilns in Ashulia are contributing to pollution and discussions are ongoing about removing these kilns.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, said that the legislation to bring rickshaws and battery-operated rickshaws under registration is in its final stages and activities will commence within a week.