Rickety buses not only pose risks to commuters but also detract from the city's aesthetics and harm the environment. To address this, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has urged bus owners to refurbish their buses to improve their condition for operating on Dhaka's streets. The BRTA has extended the deadline for this initiative to May 31.

Initially, authorities had announced that these buses would not be permitted on the roads after Eid-ul-Fitr, observed on April 11. However, experts argue that a mere paint job won't suffice and stress the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the sector.

On May 2, the BRTA issued a circular highlighting how these old buses mar the capital's beauty. According to Section 25 of the Road Transport Act 2018, driving unfit, dangerous, and discolored vehicles is punishable.

In an earlier meeting on April 2 chaired by BRTA Chairman Noor Mohammad Majumdar, it was decided that rickety buses would be banned from city streets after April 11. Despite this, such buses continue to operate post-Eid. Bus owners claim that repainting buses is an ongoing process and assure that those in the worst condition will be prioritized for repair and painting initially.

Md Shahjahan, managing director of Shikor Paribahan, explained their phased approach to repairs due to concerns over a potential public transport crisis.

Meanwhile, industry insiders revealed that buses are typically painted and repaired just before their fitness tests, with owners neglecting their condition afterward, focusing solely on revenue generation.

Drivers also expressed skepticism about the longevity of the new paint jobs, attributing damage to fierce competition among drivers striving to attract passengers. They emphasized the need for systematic reforms in the sector to alleviate these challenges.

Professor Md. Hadiuzzaman from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) underscored the importance of scientific road management beyond superficial paint jobs. He highlighted the inefficacy of repainting old buses and advocated for comprehensive initiatives by the BRTA and bus owners to instill discipline in transport management, ensuring lasting improvements.