Will Transport Bodies in Bangladesh Strike Over Road Act and Vehicle Policy?
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Synopsis
Transport owners and workers in Bangladesh are on the brink of a nationwide strike over unaddressed demands regarding the Road Transport Act-2018. With a 15-day ultimatum set, the implications for public transport could be significant. What changes do they seek, and what might this mean for the future of transportation in the country?
Key Takeaways
- Transport strike threatens disruption from August 12.
- 15-working-day ultimatum issued to the government.
- Amendments to Road Transport Act-2018 demanded.
- Focus on vehicle fitness over age.
- Urgent dialogue needed between government and transport bodies.
Dhaka, July 27 (NationPress) Transport owners and workers in Bangladesh have given the government a 15-working-day ultimatum to fulfill their eight-point charter of demands, which includes significant amendments to the Road Transport Act-2018.
If their demands are not met, they have threatened to initiate a 72-hour nationwide transport strike from 6 a.m. on August 12 until 6 a.m. on August 15.
This announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Jatiya Press Club by the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association, the Bus-Truck Owners Association, and the Road Transport Workers’ Federation, as reported by United News of Bangladesh.
In a formal statement, Saiful Alam, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association, stated that the ultimatum comes in response to recent enforcement actions by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), which targeted buses and trucks older than 20 and 25 years, respectively. This crackdown has already sparked regional transport strikes in several districts.
A joint meeting held on July 20 among national transport organizations and divisional leaders established the need for a 15-day period for the government to respond. The leaders warned that failure to comply would lead to nationwide industrial action.
The demands include amendments to Sections 98 and 105 of the Road Transport Act-2018, extending the economic lifespan of commercial vehicles to 30 years, and halting BRTA’s ongoing drives against older vehicles.
They contend that vehicle removal should be determined by fitness and environmental standards rather than age, and they are requesting a return to the previous policy that allowed older vehicles to operate outside metropolitan areas.
Additional demands include reducing the increased presumptive income tax on commercial vehicles, extending the import age limit for reconditioned vehicles from 5 to 12 years, and implementing a formal scrappage policy.
Transport leaders also urged the interim government to ensure that accident-damaged vehicles are returned to owners within 72 hours, accelerate the issuance and renewal of driving licenses, and enforce the 12-point demand previously raised by the Road Transport Workers’ Federation.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by transport owners and workers in Bangladesh. Their demands reflect broader issues within the transportation system that need government attention. The upcoming ultimatum and possible strike highlight the urgent need for dialogue and solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders while ensuring public transport remains unaffected.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ultimatum given by transport owners in Bangladesh?
Transport owners and workers have issued a 15-working-day ultimatum to the government to address their eight-point charter of demands related to the Road Transport Act-2018.
What will happen if the government does not comply?
If the government fails to meet their demands, a nationwide transport strike is scheduled to occur from 6 a.m. on August 12 to 6 a.m. on August 15.
What are the main demands of the transport owners?
Key demands include amendments to the Road Transport Act-2018, extending the economic life of commercial vehicles, and halting the crackdown on older vehicles.
Who are the organizations involved in this issue?
The main organizations involved are the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association, the Bus-Truck Owners Association, and the Road Transport Workers’ Federation.
Why are older vehicles being targeted by the BRTA?
The BRTA is enforcing regulations aimed at removing older vehicles based on age, but transport leaders argue this should be based on fitness and environmental standards.
