Staff Reporter:
Abu Momtaz Saad Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), said on Sunday that no driving license will be issued without completing the mandatory 60 hours of training.
“From now on, completing 60 hours of training is required to obtain a driving license, as the government is working to ensure licenses meet international standards,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration of a driving training programme for master instructors at the Alampur BRTC Bus Depot and Training Centre, he mentioned that training activities have begun nationwide following directives from the Road Transport and Bridges Adviser.
Highlighting the severity of road accidents, the chairman noted, “Motorcycles account for nearly 73 percent of all road accidents in the country. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to use BRTA-approved quality helmets.”
On the issue of delays in issuing smart card licenses, he explained, “While it is true that smart cards take time to be issued, e-licenses are provided on schedule as per the rules, allowing users to carry out all legal and government-related tasks.”
He added that BRTA has issued a public notice regarding the acceptance of e-licenses and instructed government offices and police to recognize them.
Regarding the delay in smart card distribution, he said the contract with a company in Madras, India, for printing smart cards expired in July this year.
The contract was not renewed because the company failed to meet the agreed terms.
BRTA Director (Operations) Meer Ahemed Tariqul Omar told BSS that master instructor training has officially begun nationwide.
“Our goal is to train 150 master instructors across the country, who will subsequently train applicants to obtain driving licenses,” he said.
