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Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has announced that a plan has been adopted to operate public transport on every route in Dhaka by forming separate companies with bus owners. He stated that these buses would be operated ensuring specific standards, uniform color, fitness, and necessary facilities.
He made these remarks on Thursday at the ‘BSRF Dialogue’ organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Media Centre of the Secretariat.
The Minister informed that the government is working to restore discipline in bus management. To this end, the use of electric vehicles is being encouraged, and significant progress has been made in this regard. He also mentioned that bus owners are working to determine which company will operate on which route.
He further stated that buses would operate on designated routes, stop at specific terminals and stops, and passengers would board and alight from there. The current irregularity of passengers getting on and off anywhere will no longer be tolerated.
The Minister stated that the operation of buses by multiple owners on the same route is creating unhealthy competition, leading to increased traffic congestion and disorder. This problem will be resolved under the new system.
He also mentioned that while an initiative was taken to close bus counters that have sprung up in various areas of Dhaka before Eid, it has been temporarily suspended due to consideration for passenger inconvenience.
He added that after discussions with owners’ associations, labor organizations, city corporations, the Metropolitan Police, BRTA, and relevant ministries, an initial period of three months was granted. Later, in a recent review meeting, it was decided to extend this period by another month.
The Minister informed that there is still a lack of passenger-friendly environment and adequate facilities at Sayedabad, Mohakhali, and Gabtoli bus terminals. Therefore, the responsibility for developing necessary infrastructure, including toilets, functional fans, and large waiting rooms, has been entrusted to the City Corporation.
He stated that bus owners have also agreed to construct necessary infrastructure at the terminals on their own initiative if they receive an improved environment and space. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police will ensure a safe environment for passengers by installing adequate street lights and CCTV cameras to guarantee security.
The dialogue, presided over by BSRF President Masudul Haque, was moderated by the organization’s General Secretary, Obaidullah Badal.