PWAB demands resignation of BRTA chairman, dissolution of the organistion

Passengers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (PWAB) Monday demanded the resignation of the BRTA chairman for his total failure to bring stability to the transport sector.

The Association at a press conference also demanded the dissolution of the BRTA if it continues to fail to work in the interest of the general passengers.

In a bid to restore order, reduce environmental pollution, prevent road accidents, and curb passenger harassment, the interim government of Dhaka has taken stringent measures to phase out 20-year-old dilapidated buses from the city’s streets.

In a press conference held this morning at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, Mohammad Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary general of the Association, has accused transport operators of rebranding unfit, outdated buses overnight by painting them pink.

This move, intended to circumvent the government’s directive, has exacerbated the city’s transport crisis, he says.

On December 19, the government, in consultation with stakeholders including the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), police, and transport regulators, had ordered the removal of all buses older than 20 years by May 2025.

Additionally, the authorities planned to introduce a modern, colour-coded bus service across nine routes starting February 25. 

Meanwhile, at a press conference on February 04 last, leaders of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association had announced that vehicles from 21 transport companies in the Dhaka metropolitan area would begin operating on a counter-based system starting February 06.

However, before making this positive decision, they had not informed the Passenger Welfare Association, following the tradition of previous leadership.

Although it is mandatory to obtain approval from Dhaka Metro RTC for launching any improved public transport service in the city, the association did not follow this procedure in this case, claims PWAB.

It claims bus owners don’t seek prior approval from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) for the colour change of 2,610 buses.

No list of these buses has been made available to the BRTA or the traffic police, claims PWAB.

According to observations by the Passenger Welfare Association, the majority of these buses and minibuses are unfit, dilapidated, unclean, and operate in unhygienic conditions, often filled with garbage.

Many buses lack rear lights, indicators, and mirrors, while seats are broken, dirty, and infested with pests. Some buses have sticky seats, and cleanliness is virtually nonexistent. Furthermore, there have been allegations of overcharging on certain routes.

However, instead of complying with the directive, transport operators have repainted unfit, outdated buses pink and continued operating them, says Mozammel.

These buses, many of which are 20 to 40 years old, lack basic fitness certifications and are in deplorable condition. 

Passengers have reported severe discomfort and inconvenience due to the poor condition of these buses.

Many buses lack functional lights, indicators, and mirrors, while seats are broken, dirty, and infested with cockroaches.

Overcrowding and overcharging have further compounded the problem, leaving daily commuters, especially office-goers, in distress, says PWAB.

The Passenger Welfare Association has criticised the BRTA, traffic police, and the ministry of road transport for their inaction in addressing the crisis.

Despite repeated appeals, no effective measures have been taken to resolve the situation. 

PWAB says the rebranding of buses has also sparked discontent among bus drivers and owners.

Many drivers, who are paid on a trip basis, have expressed frustration over reduced wages, while bus owners are struggling to receive their dues from transport associations.

This has led to a partial halt in services, further aggravating the transport crisis. 

Adding to the chaos, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers recently staged road blockades across the city, protesting against the BRTA’s alleged failure to regulate fare hikes.

PWAB has demanded the resignation of the BRTA chairman, accusing the organisation of failing to protect commuters from exploitative practices by auto-rickshaw drivers. 

The association has called for a complete overhaul of Dhaka’s public transport system.

They propose replacing outdated buses with 5,000 modern, high-quality buses under a public-private partnership model.

Additionally, they recommend implementing a route rationalisation system to ensure efficient and organised bus operations across the city. 

As Dhaka’s transport crisis deepens, commuters continue to endure immense hardships, says PWAB secretary.

tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com