Bus sector plagued by extortion, lack of safety: TIB
The study also found that 18.9% of the buses do not have registration, 18.5% of buses do not have tax tokens and 22% of buses do not have route permits.
Country's private bus transportation sector faces extortions of at least Tk1,059 crore annually, according to a study by the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
In the report titled "Integrity in Private Bus Transport Business" released yesterday, TIB alleges that this extorted money is shared among a network of individuals and groups, including those with political affiliations, traffic police, highway police, officials from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, bus owner associations, and even municipal representatives.
The report further exposes a lack of competition within the sector. A mere 22 companies control a staggering 81.4% of all buses, granting them undue influence over decision-making processes. Additionally, politicians are heavily involved in managing roughly 92% of large bus companies, with 80% belonging to the ruling party.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman emphasised that the Tk1,059 crore figure is a conservative estimate, and the true extent of extortion is likely much higher. He further stated that political influence has created a system where "the control of extortion is also in their hands," ultimately leading to a sector riddled with corruption "from top to bottom."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The report also raises serious safety concerns. Researchers found that a significant portion of buses operating on the roads lack crucial documentation, including registration (18.9%), fitness certificates (24%), tax tokens (18.5%), and route permits (22%). Furthermore, a staggering 40.9% of bus workers believe their company operates at least one bus without proper documentation.
Bus workers themselves are not spared. The report highlights the hazardous working conditions, with 82% lacking appointment letters and nearly 70% without fixed wages. The research suggests labour organisations have failed to protect workers' rights, with some leadership allegedly colluding with owners to exploit workers further.
Passengers are not receiving the service they deserve either. Over 60% reported experiencing buses charging extra fare, while 42.5% of city service workers and 24.4% of inter-district workers admitted to their companies engaging in this practice.
The lack of integrity in the sector translates into a poor passenger experience.
The report found that nearly 90% of workers in city services said their companies fail to maintain critical bus components like tyres, engine oil, and brakes according to regulations. Furthermore, almost half (40.4%) of city bus workers reported their buses being illegally modified to seat more passengers, compromising safety.
The report paints a grim picture for women passengers, with over a third (35.2%) experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment during their journeys. The perpetrators range from fellow passengers to bus helpers and conductors.
Speeding and distracted driving due to mobile phone use were identified as major causes of accidents, with 75.8% of passengers, 48% of workers, and over half of bus owners acknowledging these issues. The report also criticises discrepancies between BRTA's official accident fatality statistics and those reported by national and international organisations.
TIB blames the lack of political will for the sector's woes. To address these problems, the organisation recommends a multi-pronged approach, including full implementation of the Road Transport Act 2018, policy formulation, digitisation of the licensing process, and strict enforcement of regulations with zero tolerance for corruption.
