BRTA launches nationwide crackdown on 20-year-old buses, 25-year-old trucks
On the first day of the operation, 495 cases were filed and 20 vehicles were seized across the country
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on buses over 20 years old, and trucks and covered vans that have been in service for more than 25 years on highways and roads.
BRTA Chairman Abu Momtaz Saad Uddin Ahmed joined the drive at Farmgate in the capital today (20 July). During the operation, three BRTC buses were fined a total of Tk15,000—Tk5,000 each—for not having valid documents.
Speaking to journalists, the BRTA chairman said, "The operation began this morning across eight different locations. It will not be limited to daytime hours—it will also continue at night.
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"Buses that are over 20 years old and trucks that have been in operation for more than 25 years create significant road chaos and contribute to the high rate of traffic accidents. This campaign targets those very vehicles."
Answering reporters' questions, he said that restoring order on the roads cannot happen overnight. Instead of focusing on the failures of past administrations, he stressed the importance of continuing enforcement to reduce road accidents.
He also said the crackdown will not only cover roads but will extend to bus depots as well.
Meanwhile, on the first day of the operation, 495 cases were filed and 20 vehicles were seized across the country.
BRTA Director (Admin) Md Kamrul Islam Chowdhury confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
He said, "Today, mobile courts were conducted jointly by BRTA and district administrations across the country targeting unfit buses, minibuses, trucks, covered vans, and other vehicles that had surpassed their economic lifespan.
"During the drives, a total of 495 cases were filed, and fines amounting to Tk11.64 lakh were collected. Additionally, 20 vehicles were sent to the dumping stations."
This coordinated operation is happening in partnership with district administrations, the police, transport owners' associations, and workers' unions.
