Stop issuing fake licence to drivers

Although much has been said about ending chaotic traffic and ensuring road safety, the interim government has failed to bring about any perceptible change in terms of traffic congestion and road accidents. The roads remain as deadly as ever. According to a report by the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, at least 614 people died and 1,196 were injured in 597 road accidents across the country in May alone. Motorcycles were involved in 233 of these crashes, resulting in 256 deaths and 201 injuries-accounting for 39.02 per cent of all accidents, 41.69 per cent of fatalities, and 16.80 per cent of injuries.

While a breakthrough in this area cannot be expected overnight, certain government initiatives-such as the Chief Adviser's meeting with transport experts, efforts to strengthen the BRTA, and the introduction of Bus Route Rationalisation in Dhaka-had initially raised public hopes. But traffic management has become too complex an issue to be resolved quickly.

However, issues such as unskilled drivers operating vehicles without licences, or obtaining them through dubious means and reckless driving, should have been addressed in earnest. It is deeply alarming that, a significant number of vehicles are being driven by individuals who have secured licences through bribery rather than through proper training and testing.  For instance, a medical certificate is mandatory for professional motor vehicle drivers when applying for a new driving licence or renewing an existing one. Yet there are widespread allegations that many applicants are submitting fake medical certificates to obtain professional licences, and that the BRTA is issuing licences based on these forged documents. These fake certificates are often produced at computer composing shops near BRTA circle offices. They are typically created using Photoshop, edited with the names of reputable hospitals and doctors to make them appear genuine. This widespread malpractice is a major factor behind the sharp rise in road accidents. Roads can never be truly safe as long as unqualified drivers are allowed to operate freely.

Putting an end to the dangerous practice of issuing forged driving licences should not be particularly difficult. What is required is a strong political will and determination on the part of the authorities concerned to eliminate a practice that continues to make our roads unsafe. Experts have long suggested that all holders of forged licences be identified and provided with proper training to perform their duties responsibly. While this is no easy task, it can no longer be ignored.

Experts have also pointed out that the BRTA should have taken action much earlier.  It is a criminal offence to issue fake licence to the prospective drivers in a country where road accident is taking a heavy toll of human lives, and the situation is showing no signs of improvement.

Moreover, reckless driving of rundown vehicles is another major cause of the rising number of highway accidents. Faulty road designs, especially risky turning points, also contribute significantly to the growing accident rate. However, poor traffic management, a lack of highway police patrols, and the indifference of both traffic police and the BRTA in restoring order on the roads are equally responsible for the high death toll.

Strict enforcement of speed limits, increased highway patrols, and the modernisation of traffic management systems are necessary to help reduce road accidents and casualties. But, regrettably, the enforcement of traffic rules often remains confined to lip service as corruption continues to stand in the way of meaningful action.

There is no doubt that improvements are needed in several key areas if we are to build a modern, effective traffic management system. For now, the authorities should focus on eliminating anomalies and corrupt practices-such as the issuance of forged licences-and encouraging both drivers and pedestrians to adhere to traffic rules. Success in these two areas alone would go a long way towards making roads safer.

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