RAJSHAHI, MAY 25 (V7N) – Investigations at the Rajshahi office of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) reveal that a significant driving license syndicate, previously controlled by former Assistant Director (AD) Abdur Rashid, continues to operate, albeit under new leadership. Applicants' files were allegedly held back without bribes, and even now, the issuance of driving license certificates or smart cards remains contingent on illicit payments.

According to on-site investigations over the past few days and information from Rajshahi BRTA sources, Abdur Rashid, who served as AD from April 22, 2024, is accused of building a large syndicate. He allegedly manipulated the online monitoring system for applicant files, intentionally or legally blocking those from whom he did not receive bribes, while releasing others upon payment. This led to disputes with other office officials and employees. Although he was eventually transferred to the Sylhet BRTA divisional office in December, the syndicate's influence persists.

The Rajshahi BRTA office handles various vehicle-related services, including driving licenses, renewals, and registrations. Approximately 100 online applications for driving licenses are submitted daily, with tests conducted one to two days a week. While the process involves written, practical (driving), and viva tests, drivers reportedly face significant obstacles if they do not pay bribes. They are either repeatedly failed or their files are held due to alleged document errors.

Sources indicate that the syndicate, which previously operated under the leadership of former councilor and Awami League leader Shahadat Ali Shahu, now controls its operations from three computer shops located on government-owned land in front of the BRTA office. These shops are also reportedly where doctor's certifications for licenses are processed.

The driving license examination is overseen by a 5-member management board, chaired by a representative of the Rajshahi District Commissioner, with the BRTA Motor Vehicle Inspector as member secretary, and representatives from the Civil Surgeon, Rajshahi District Police Superintendent, and a Power Department instructor from Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute as members.

During his tenure, Abdur Rashid reportedly attempted to gain full control of this committee under Shahadat Ali Shahu, but failed as an assistant director is not permitted to hold a committee position by BRTA policy. However, he allegedly used his authority to monitor and pass applicant files online to implement his system.

Sources detail that Abdur Rashid's conflicts with office staff intensified, and he eventually became involved in bribery through a high-ranking office assistant, Farid Uddin. Failing to gain further benefits, he reportedly lobbied for a transfer to the Sylhet BRTA office. While he was transferred to the Sylhet Divisional Passport Office last December, he remained in Rajshahi due to a lack of work or bribery opportunities in the divisional office. Finally, on April 22, Abdur Rashid was forcibly removed from Rajshahi, receiving a discharge certificate on orders from the Rajshahi Divisional Deputy Commissioner of BRTA. Motor Vehicle Inspector Abul Kalam Azad has been given additional responsibility in his place.

Multiple reliable sources confirm that while in Rajshahi, Abdur Rashid allegedly collected bribes ranging from Tk 8,000-10,000 for heavy vehicle driving licenses, Tk 5,000-8,000 for light licenses, and Tk 1,500-3,000 for motorcycle licenses, all through the syndicate. With his departure, the syndicate has reportedly fragmented into several new ones, controlled by multiple brokers operating out of computer shops in front of the BRTA office, where most of the bribery and transactions occur.

Abu Bakkar, an applicant, claimed his file was held by former AD Abdur Rashid for three months due to a minor document error, even after he passed his test through an official contact. He eventually paid Tk 3,000 to have the file released. A truck driver, who wished to remain anonymous, stated he paid Tk 15,000 for his driving license, asserting that files could not be passed without money, forcing many, including himself, to borrow to pay the bribes.

When contacted, former Assistant Director Abdur Rashid denied any involvement with a syndicate or with Councilor Shahu. He claimed to have attempted to systematize the office after his arrival and stated there was no evidence of his contact with anyone in his call or message logs from the past year. He also asserted that he had written to higher authorities to enhance transparency in the examination process, thus refuting allegations of trying to control the examination or syndicate.

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