BRTA to Launch Automation for Vehicle Fitness Certificates in Bangladesh
BRTA to Launch Automation for Vehicle Fitness Certificates in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has announced a major upgrade for road safety and vehicle management in the country. BRTA Chairman Abu Mamtaj Sad Uddin Ahmed confirmed that the authority is preparing to introduce automation in the process of issuing vehicle fitness certificates. The goal is to make the fitness system faster, safer, and more transparent for all vehicle owners.
The announcement was made during a views-exchange programme held in Banani on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The event was organised by BRTA in partnership with the National Heart Foundation.
Automation Under the Safe System Approach
According to the BRTA Chairman, the new automated system will operate under the safe system approach, which focuses on reducing human error and improving overall road safety.
The automated fitness certification system will:
- Reduce manual processing
- Limit corruption and delays
- Improve accuracy and transparency
- Ensure faster service for vehicle owners
This change is expected to modernise BRTA services, making them more efficient and reliable.
Mandatory 60-Hour Training for Drivers
Another major update shared during the event was that BRTA has made 60-hour training compulsory for all motor vehicle drivers.
Without completing this mandatory training:
- Drivers will not receive a new licence
- Renewal requests may be delayed
- BRTA will not issue licences to untrained drivers
The purpose of this training is to ensure that all drivers have proper knowledge of road rules, safety, and responsible driving.
High Accident Rates in Low-Income Countries
Experts at the meeting noted that 92% of road accidents occur in low-income and middle-income countries.
This is three times higher compared to developed nations.
Bangladesh is among the countries most affected by road crashes, mainly due to:
- Lack of proper training
- Overspeeding
- Poor vehicle fitness
- Weak monitoring systems
The new automated system and stronger training requirements aim to reduce this alarming rate.
New Government Initiatives for Road Safety
The BRTA Chairman also announced that the government is working on several important projects to improve road safety, including:
1. Central Road Crash Data System
The government will set up a national database to record and analyse all road crash information.
This system will help:
- Identify accident-prone zones
- Make quick policy decisions
- Improve emergency response
2. Speed Control Manual for Local Authorities
A new manual will be prepared and implemented to control vehicle speed at the local level.
This will help reduce:
- Speed-related accidents
- Highway collisions
- Loss of life and injuries
Both these initiatives are part of a long-term plan to create safer roads across Bangladesh.
Participants at the Event
Representatives from many national and international organisations attended the programme, including:
- Dhaka Ahsania Mission
- BRAC
- CIPRB
- Steps
- Global Health Advocacy Incubator
- Dhaka International University
- Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
- BNNRC
Officials from various government institutions were also present, such as:
- Road Transport and Bridges Ministry
- DTCA
- Police Headquarters
- BRTC
- DMP
- Highway Police
- Dhaka North & South City Corporations
- Social Welfare Department
- NITOR
- WHO
- Transport Owners & Workers Associations
Their participation shows the collective effort needed to improve road safety in Bangladesh.
Conclusion
BRTA decision to introduce automation for vehicle fitness certificates marks a major step toward modernising Bangladesh’s transport system. With compulsory driver training, a central crash data system, and stricter speed control guidelines, the government aims to reduce road accidents and make roads safer for everyone.
