Transport sector mired in corruption: Adviser Nahid

Shawdesh Desk:

Corruption in the country’s road transport sector remains a pressing concern, with its dynamics changing but not diminishing, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam said on Saturday.

“There is a political influence intertwined with the chaos on the roads. So, resolving the issue will not be easy,” he said while speaking at a national dialogue held at the Bangladesh Press Institute on Saturday.

Nahid emphasised the need for institutional management and structural reforms to restore order in the sector.

The adviser said that political parties must play a proactive role in curbing corruption, as many of the issues involve their workers and leaders.

He also criticised previous administrations for their failure to deliver public-focused development. “Development under previous governments was not centred on the people. As a result, the public did not benefit. Future policies must prioritise inclusive development that addresses the needs of the general population.”

Officials from organisations involved in the transport sector attended the dialogue.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Mohammed Yasin underscored the need for modernisation and announced decisive steps to improve the system. “No old buses will be allowed to operate. A timeline has been provided, and necessary measures must be taken within this period.”

Yasin also stressed the importance of a permanent plan to free roads and footpaths from encroachment, noting that temporary solutions like evictions are inadequate. “The solution should be well-planned and sustainable.”

Rampant Corruption

A recent study conducted by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed the extent of corruption within the private bus transport sector.

Its findings indicate that private buses and minibuses pay nearly Tk 1,059.37 crore annually in extortion money. The largest share of this amount, more than Tk 900 crore, is reportedly paid as bribes to BRTA officials for vehicle registration, certification, and renewal processes.

Other recipients of the extortion money include political affiliates, highway police personnel, city corporations, and municipality officials. The study, titled “Integrity in Private Bus Transport Business,” surveyed 701 bus workers, 168 bus owners, and 696 passengers, alongside observing 51 bus terminals and interviewing 37 key informants such as researchers, journalists, and city corporation officials.

Conducted between May 2023 and February 2024, the study covered private bus operations in 32 districts, painting a grim picture of the sector’s integrity.

The findings highlighted how syndicates and bus owner-worker associations, backed by ruling party affiliates, have effectively held the industry hostage. In some instances, even government authorities appear powerless against these groups.

Call for Reforms

The dialogue underscored the urgency of comprehensive reforms to ensure safety, efficiency, and public satisfaction in the transport sector. Institutional management, political commitment, and structural changes were identified as critical components to addressing the persistent issues.