BRTA bins TIB bribery report as motivated, assumption-based

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has rejected Transparency International Bangladesh's report alleging bribery during motor vehicle registration, and issuance and renewal of fitness certificates and route permits, dismissing it as motivated and assumption-based.

"The image of the government along with the BRTA has been tarnished by the TIB report. It is requested that you refrain from publishing such reports in the future, which may cause confusion in the public mind and tarnish the image of the government," BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder warned during a press conference at BRTA's Banani office today (6 March).

A TIB report released on Tuesday stated that 52.9% of passenger buses paid bribes to the BRTA to renew their registrations and licences. The BRTA illegally collects Tk17,619 in bribes per bus every month. Consequently, the regulatory body unlawfully accumulates Tk900 crore annually, it said.

Nur Mohammad claimed that false reports were prepared by TIB, despite the fact that the BRTA or the relevant ministry had not received any information, including verbal or written complaints.

He added that since the BRTA services have gone digital, people no longer need to visit offices in person. As a result, bribery and corruption are prevented from occurring.

"If someone is not aware of the digital system and falls victim to cheating, the BRTA cannot be held accountable. The purpose of implementing the digital system is to minimise physical interactions and eliminate opportunities for bribery. Furthermore, there are mechanisms in place to take action against anyone found engaging in irregularities or corruption," he said.

Furthermore, the TIB report claimed that additional time is spent on the registration of motor vehicles, the issuance of fitness certificates, and route permits by the BRTA. However, the BRTA chairman also denied these allegations.

The chairman stated that the claim regarding 30 working days for motor vehicle registration is unfounded and purely speculative.

He clarified that registration number is issued on the same day after the purchase of the motor vehicle, following the submission of the online application through the BRTA service portal at the respective BRTA office, and after an on-site inspection of the motor vehicle.

He added that obtaining online appointments for fitness renewal and presenting the car to the concerned circle office on the scheduled date result in the completion of all processes within 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Regarding the issue or renewal of route permit certificates, he acknowledged that delays may occur due to the postponement of committee meetings.

However, he emphasised that this period is nowhere near 45 working days as mentioned in the TIB report.

Nur Mohammad, however, said the constructive and practical recommendations made by TIB will be taken into consideration.

Asked which points he would take into account, he replied, "We will check what we will accept and what we will not. Today only the issue of bribery is being talked about."

He said, "At the moment, TIB's recommendation to increase service is under consideration –  although we are already improving the quality of service. We have brought licence issuance from 30 days to 15 days. We have proposed strict monitoring of unauthorised seat increase, use of hydraulic horns and emission of black wash. We have strengthened them, we will strengthen them more."

Asked about the recommendation for implementing the Road Transport Act 2018 without any influence, he said, "Everyone is aware of the situation in the country. We cannot change much here overnight. It is true that the Act has many stakeholders. We are addressing this issue – necessary amendments to the law are being made, and rules have been formulated."