The public transport system in Bangladesh continues to be plagued by severe disorder, with ramshackle buses dominating the streets, many of which have long exceeded their serviceable life.
Commuters face not only the physical discomfort of these unfit vehicles but also the arbitrary fare hikes imposed by transport operators.
While long-distance buses maintain a marginally better standard, the capital, Dhaka, remains a hotbed of neglect concerning passenger rights and services.
Disorder and mismanagement seem to have become the norm, with little recourse available to the ordinary traveller.
Although the traffic divisions of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Highway Police conduct regular or sporadic operations against unfit vehicles, there appears to be scant improvement.
This situation was corroborated during recent field visits across various routes in Dhaka, where interactions with passengers and relevant stakeholders revealed the grim reality.
According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), as of 2024, the country has 44,509 buses as its main mode of public transport, including 16,055 large buses and 28,454 minibuses.
However, the number of registered buses stands at 55,842, with 3,500 to 4,000 operating in Dhaka alone, as reported by the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association.
Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association Secretary General Mojammel Haque Chowdhury expressed concern, stating, “Passenger services, discipline, and safety in the public transport sector remain unchanged. In some cases, the issues have exacerbated. Traffic management remains chaotic, road accidents are on the rise, and extortion related to transportation has merely changed hands.”
Stakeholders highlighted that two government institutions directly influence vehicular operations on Dhaka’s roads- the BRTA, responsible for fitness certificates and route permits, and the traffic division of the police.
Despite the requirement to inspect 32 parameters before issuing fitness certificates, decrepit buses regularly receive clearance.
The traffic division’s task of seizing unfit vehicles often goes unfulfilled, allowing these buses to continue plying the roads with impunity.
Nevertheless, the DMP’s traffic division maintains regular issuance of fines and impounding of various vehicles.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media Branch) Muhammad Talebur Rahman stated, “Legal actions are being regularly taken against buses, minibuses, private cars, and motorbikes operating without proper fitness or violating regulations. The DMP’s traffic division has lodged 3,251 cases and impounded 102 vehicles, towing an additional 43 over the past two days alone. These operations will persist.”
A resident of Mohammadpur, shared his experience, stating, “Commuting daily by bus is a nightmare due to the filth and disrepair. Most buses are unfit for use, and the staff often behave in a thuggish manner, threatening passengers who protest.”
Meanwhile, a conductor with Poristhan Transport, commented, “The primary reason for the buses’ condition is the lack of proper maintenance by the owners. Despite these challenges, we strive to provide service under difficult circumstances.”
The crisis in Dhaka’s public transport sector underscores a dire need for comprehensive reforms and stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure the safety and dignity of passengers.
