End extortion in transport sector

The transport sector in Bangladesh has long operated like an independent realm of plunder. Governments change, but the corruption, disorder, and irregularities within this sector remain unchanged. The power may shift hands, but the structure of exploitation does not. Extortion and unfit, dilapidated vehicles continue to operate just as they did before. As a result, whenever there is a change in government, we witness a scramble for control over the transport sector by different factions. This occurred after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, with opposition parties seizing control of the transport hubs.

A report published in March revealed that the private bus transport sector sees an annual extortion and corruption amounting to BDT 1,059 crore. According to a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is at the top of the corruption list. Recently published media reports (on August 24) stated that for over 15 years, Awami League leaders had maintained control over the Bangladesh Road Transport and Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association. Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure on August 5, BNP supporters took over the owners' association.

Private bus transport is primarily run under political patronage. Terminals and road permits fall under their control, and they also hold sway over the police stations. Even if these unfit vehicles are on the roads, they are rarely held accountable. A vast syndicate is involved in this scheme, leaving passengers essentially hostage to their tactics. Due to extortion, passengers are forced to pay higher fares. Similarly, the transport workers are also held captive by the owners. While transport owners and political leaders make billions from this sector, the fate of the workers remains unchanged.

There is hope, however, as the leaders of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association have pledged to put an end to extortion and introduce a passenger-friendly transport system. They have promised to modernize public transport and replace the run-down buses in Dhaka. At a conference held last Saturday, the Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association proposed several measures aimed at restoring order to the roads. These proposals included keeping all bus terminals, suburban, and regional committees free from extortion; working to ensure the safety of passengers and build safe roads; and continuing efforts to reduce road accidents.

The association also committed to involving owners, workers, the administration, and the public to create a safe, passenger-oriented road system. They plan to organize counseling and motivational meetings for workers at all terminals, create an extortion-free business-friendly environment, and form committees composed of genuine owners in various terminals and regions to ensure the smooth and proper operation of vehicles. Undoubtedly, these proposals are commendable; however, similar promises have been made in the past with little to no tangible results.

We want the Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association not just to make promises but to deliver on them. The current government should also ensure that all relevant parties are held accountable. The state’s discipline or lack thereof is most visible on the roads. If order is restored in the transport sector, discipline will likely follow in other areas of the state as well. The massive corruption in the transport sector must be ended by the government.