The road transport sector in Bangladesh remains disorderly and undisciplined, significantly impacting daily life. Efforts to address these issues have consistently faced resistance from transport owners and workers. Recent reports indicate that these groups are threatening a nationwide strike lasting 72 hours starting on August 12 if the ongoing crackdown on old, unfit vehicles is not halted. This demand contradicts public health and safety imperatives, prompting a closer examination of the chaos within the sector. It raises the question of why transport owners and workers persist in opposing regulatory measures aimed at bringing discipline to the industry.
Key road transport organizations have made demands while protesting the government’s initiative, which began on July 20 to reduce road accidents and environmental pollution. Their demands include extending the operational life of outdated vehicles by 5-10 years and amending penalties for reckless driving and crash-related offenses in the Road Transport Act (RTA).
The demands put forward by these groups are deemed unreasonable and risky. Data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) indicates that there are currently 6.26 lakh unfit vehicles in operation nationwide, with over 80,000 buses, minibuses, trucks, lorries, and tankers surpassing their economic lifespan as of July 16. Given these figures, it is difficult to understand the rationale behind extending the lifespan of these vehicles, which are often involved in fatal accidents and emit harmful pollutants. While proponents argue that proper maintenance can address these issues, the continued presence of unfit vehicles raises doubts about this assertion.
The road transport sector has long been hindered by influential transport associations, impeding the effective implementation of regulations. The RTA, enacted seven years ago in response to road safety concerns, remains largely inactive due to the lack of cooperation from these groups. Non-compliance with existing regulations is widespread, fueled by political interference and corruption that have tainted the sector, particularly during the Awami League administration.
Urgent action is needed to address the challenges within the road transport sector. The government must take decisive steps to address the current state of disorder. Dialogue involving all stakeholders is essential to finding a resolution to the impasse. However, the safety of the public must always remain a top priority, and transport associations should not be allowed to jeopardize this fundamental concern.