Dhaka, Dec 19, (V7N) - In a move to improve service standards in the country’s transport sector, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has given a one-month deadline to officials of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to enhance their operations. Failing to show significant improvements within this time frame will result in disciplinary actions against the BRTA chairman and other officials, warned the Ministry’s Advisor, Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan.

Key Instructions to BRTA

The directive was issued during a meeting held on Thursday at the Electricity Bhaban, which focused on strengthening discipline in the road transport sector, easing traffic congestion in Dhaka, and controlling air pollution. The meeting, titled "Strengthening Discipline in the Road Transport Sector, Easing Traffic in Dhaka, and Controlling Air Pollution," saw Fawzul Kabir Khan emphasizing the urgent need for the BRTA to address several critical issues.

In his briefing after the meeting, Khan mentioned that BRTA officials had been given a strict one-month deadline to improve service quality, particularly in ensuring access to driving licenses and addressing the issue of unfit vehicles on the roads. "We need to ensure that fitness certificates are issued properly, and vehicles not meeting the fitness standards should not be allowed to operate on the roads. In this regard, we may seek private sector support for conducting fitness checks," he added.

Tackling Traffic Congestion in Dhaka

The advisor also pointed out the most congested areas of Dhaka, including the locations near railway crossings and flyover entry and exit points. These areas, he noted, experience severe traffic jams and need immediate attention. Fawzul Khan ordered the traffic police to take action within two days to tackle the congestion, with a clear target of improving traffic conditions within the next week.

He also addressed the problem of illegal parking, suggesting that vehicles obstructing traffic be impounded rather than just fined. This approach, he argued, would ensure a more immediate resolution to the traffic issues.

Addressing School Bus and Transport Services

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion caused by random bus stops for picking up passengers, Fawzul Khan stated that a proposal for starting school bus services would be sent to the Ministry of Education. He mentioned that a meeting with the Ministry would be scheduled soon to discuss the matter further. The aim is to create an alternative system for passenger transport, as discussed with transport owners. Khan highlighted that transport operators in Dhaka, particularly in areas like Gulshan, have expressed willingness to adopt a similar system of organized passenger pickup to reduce congestion.

Bus Route Nationalization and Changes in Public Transport

In a significant development for public transport, the Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, Ehsanul Haque, announced that from February 25, 2024, nine bus routes in Dhaka would be placed under a nationalized system. These routes will operate under a company-based structure as part of a pilot project.

Fawzul Khan also mentioned that, by May 2024, all buses older than 20 years in Dhaka would be removed from service. The transport owners have been notified of this decision, and the government has assured them that assistance in securing bank loans will be provided to support the replacement of old vehicles.

Air Pollution Control Efforts

Addressing the issue of air pollution, the Environment Advisor, Syeda Rezwana Hasan, mentioned that a task force has been formed to tackle the growing pollution levels. Although air pollution cannot be entirely eradicated in a short period, the government is working to reduce its impact on public health. She pointed out that the brick kilns in Ashulia are a major contributor to air pollution in Dhaka, and efforts are underway to explore options for removing these brick kilns from the area.

Registration of Rickshaws and Battery-Powered Rickshaws

In response to growing concerns about unregulated rickshaws and battery-powered rickshaws, Khodabux Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, revealed that necessary laws for their registration are in the final stages of approval. The government plans to start this process within a week to bring these vehicles under proper regulation.

Attendance at the Meeting

The meeting was attended by various government officials, including Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and secretaries and representatives from the transport sector, as well as transport owner and worker association leaders.

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