The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has been given a one-month deadline to enhance its services, as announced by Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. Failure to meet this target will result in disciplinary actions against BRTA officials, including its chairman, as well as staff across all levels.

Speaking at a meeting titled "Strengthening Discipline in the Road Transport Sector, Reducing Traffic Congestion in Dhaka, and Controlling Air Pollution," held at Bidyut Bhaban on Thursday, December 19, Fauzul Kabir Khan emphasized the urgency of improving BRTA's service standards.

The advisor stressed that BRTA must ensure transparency and efficiency in issuing driving licenses and restrict unfit vehicles from operating on roads. To facilitate this, private sector involvement in fitness certification processes may be explored. He further mentioned that visible progress must be evident within a month.

In addition to directives for BRTA, the advisor instructed traffic police to take immediate action within two days to alleviate traffic congestion. He proposed strict measures, including impounding illegally parked vehicles instead of merely imposing fines, to ensure smoother traffic flow within a week.

The meeting also discussed alternative solutions to mitigate the chaos caused by unorganized bus stops and passenger pick-up practices. Transport owners pledged to introduce a service modeled on the structured operations of “Dhakar Chaka” in Gulshan to minimize disorderly boarding and alighting of passengers.

Fauzul Kabir Khan announced that buses over 20 years old must be phased out of Dhaka by May. Transport owners were informed of the government’s willingness to assist in securing bank loans for vehicle upgrades to ensure compliance with this directive.

The meeting was attended by Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Industries; Baharul Alam, the Inspector General of Police; and senior officials from various ministries. Leaders of transport owner and worker associations were also present to discuss and align on the required reforms.