Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced that GPS trackers will be installed in all public transport to prevent irregularities and enhance road safety. He conveyed this information to reporters following a high-level meeting at the Secretariat focused on enhancing measures to prevent road accidents and improve overall road safety.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister explained that the new system will aid authorities in controlling speeding, monitoring vehicle locations, and detecting traffic rule violations. This initiative is also expected to eliminate the practice of picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorized points.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner Md Sarwar outlined that the implementation of GPS in buses and other commercial vehicles will occur in phases. He noted that with GPS installation, it will be possible to identify vehicles that exceed speed limits, and fines will be issued to the registered owners accordingly. Vehicles deviating from approved routes will be detected through geo-fencing, and legal action will be pursued against such violations.
Sarwar emphasized that the GPS system would help in identifying unfit vehicles operating on the roads, noting the necessity for vehicles to renew their fitness certificates regularly. Immediate action can be taken if an unfit vehicle is found in operation.
He also mentioned that the system will be monitored by law enforcement agencies, including police and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), through digital control software. Md Sarwar expressed optimism that the integration of GPS with existing CCTV and speed camera systems will enhance digital enforcement and bring greater discipline to the transport sector.