Dhaka: Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Abu Mamtaj Sad Uddin Ahmed announced that the BRTA is set to implement automation in the issuance of vehicle fitness certificates. This initiative is part of the safe system approach aimed at enhancing road safety standards. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a views-exchange programme commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims held in Banani. The event was organized by BRTA in collaboration with the National Heart Foundation. Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury participated as the special guest. In addition to the automation initiative, the BRTA chairman highlighted that a 60-hour training program has become mandatory for motor vehicle drivers. Licenses will not be issued to drivers who have not completed this training. The move is a part of broader efforts to improve driver competence and reduce road accidents. The meeting revealed that approximately 92 per cent of road accidents occur in lower and middle-income countries, a rate three times higher than in developed countries. To address this, the government plans to establish a central road crash data system and develop a manual to manage speed at the local level. The event saw participation from representatives of various organizations, including Dhaka Ahsania Mission, BRAC, CIPRB, Steps, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Dhaka International University, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, and BNNRC. Also present were representatives from the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, DTCA, police headquarters, BRTC, DMP, Highway Police, the city corporations, social welfare department, NITOR, WHO, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, and Bangladesh Truck-Covered Owners Association.
