Order issued to install emergency doors in AC buses, remove rods from non-AC buses

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has ordered the installation of emergency exit doors in all air-conditioned buses and the removal of stainless steel bars from windows of non-air-conditioned buses in a move aimed at reducing passenger deaths during accidents.

The directive, issued through an official public notice, said passengers often fail to escape quickly during road crashes, ferry terminal incidents, or railway crossing accidents due to inadequate emergency exit options on Wednesday.

BRTA said all AC buses must now ensure visible emergency exit signs are placed in accessible locations, along with proper tools to break window glass in case of emergencies, enabling passengers to evacuate swiftly.

For non-AC buses, the authority identified the parallel stainless steel rods installed across windows—commonly used for hanging curtains—as a major safety hazard. These bars can severely obstruct passengers from escaping during accidents, increasing the risk of fatalities.

As part of the order, transport operators have been instructed to remove these rods immediately.

BRTA warned that strict legal action will be taken against operators who fail to implement the safety measures.

The authority said the steps are expected to significantly improve passenger evacuation during emergencies and enhance overall road transport safety across Bangladesh.