Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has declared that unfit buses will no longer be allowed on the roads from May onwards.
"A glance at the buses in the capital reveals their poor state. Therefore, we have decided that no unfit bus will be permitted on the roads from May," said BRTA Chairman Md Yasin during a discussion meeting held at the Vehicle Inspection Centre (VIC) of the BRTA's divisional office in Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday (1 January).
The meeting focused on various aspects of the services provided by the BRTA.
"We have already discussed this matter with bus owners. To restore discipline on the roads, magistrates will commence enforcement drives, and plans for these drives are currently underway," the BRTA chief said.
He further added, "In collaboration with the Department of Environment, we are conducting joint mobile courts. Additionally, we plan to establish training centres for bus drivers and conductors to enhance their skills and awareness."
Zahir Al Latif, the recently elected organising secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, echoed concerns about the poor state of buses in the city.
He said, "I was elected as the Organising Secretary just yesterday. The condition of buses in Dhaka is deplorable, though it was worse before. Within the next three to six months, you will witness significant improvements in the city’s transport system."
Abdur Rahim Dudu, president of the Road Transport Workers' Federation, highlighted the lack of formal education among drivers in the country.
He emphasised, "Our drivers have not received institutional education. Additionally, awareness about road accidents needs to be incorporated into our textbooks. On foreign roads, even a stray cat cannot enter, but we lack such discipline in our country."
The BRTA's new initiatives aim to address these issues systematically, ensuring improved road safety and a better transport system in Dhaka.
