There are currently 25,239 vehicles in Dhaka that are over 20 to 25 years old, according to data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Additionally, around 28,761 registered buses and minibuses are older than 20 years. Among them, 10,556 are in Dhaka. A total of 46,481 registered trucks, lorries and other heavy vehicles crossed 25 years. Out of this 14,683 vehicles are plying in Dhaka, according to the data.
The government has banned old buses, minibuses, trucks and covered vans from the roads for the third time to avoid air pollution and road accidents in the capital.
The Ministry of Environment has set a time limit of six months to remove all these transport from the roads.
Expired vehicles behind air pollution
Experts believe that it will play an important role in preventing Dhaka's air pollution and road accidents.
The older the vehicle, the more air pollution, said the experts.
Dhaka tops the list of worst air quality cities most of the time as per Air Quality Index (AQI) daily tests. One of the reasons for which is the toxic gas emitted from expired vehicles.
On the other hand, according to the recently published report of Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, expired vehicles plying on the road have been blamed as one of the causes of road accidents.
According to government guidelines, the list of old vehicles includes buses and minibuses older than 20 years and trucks and covered vans older than 25 years.
Transport expert Professor Hadiuzzaman from Buet said that the typical 'economic life' of a bus is around 10 to 15 years. Once a vehicle reaches this lifespan, it can no longer burn fuel efficiently, resulting in unburned fuel that releases harmful chemicals. This black smoke mixes with the air, contributing to air pollution.
But orders were issued banning expired vehicles in 2023 and 2010 during the tenure of the then government. But under pressure from transport associations, the government's order was put on hold.
6 months to remove unfit vehicles
In response to demands from public transport owners, the government has decided to allow six months for the phase-out of old, unfit vehicles in Dhaka.
During this period, vehicle owners will be required to switch to environmentally friendly vehicles.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced this decision while briefing journalists after a discussion on the necessity of removing old vehicles to control air pollution in Dhaka, held at the Power House on Abdul Gani Road.
The adviser stated that removing these old vehicles will significantly improve air quality in Dhaka, which is crucial for protecting public health. She warned that without such actions, there will soon be no breathable air left in the city. The government will work to ensure that pollution is reduced without causing public inconvenience.
She further mentioned that a campaign to control noise pollution will begin in December. The relevant laws will be amended to empower the police to impose fines, which will be deposited in banks. This measure is expected to discourage excessive use of horns. In response to another question, she also highlighted that efforts will be made to address lead pollution.
During the same meeting, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, stated that the government will soon implement an effective plan to remove old vehicles. This initiative will help reduce both traffic congestion and pollution in the city while ensuring minimal public disruption. The government's efforts will progressively bring pollution under control.
