Bribes still drive BRTA services

Despite years of digitalisation and repeated pledges to improve transparency, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) continues to face widespread allegations of corruption, bribery and the influence of broker syndicates, according to recent investigations and survey findings.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Citizen Perception Survey rank BRTA as the country’s second most corrupt public service institution and the sector with the highest incidence of bribery.

The survey found that 79.3 per cent of service seekers nationwide encountered corruption while obtaining BRTA services, including 80.4 per cent in rural areas and 77.7 per cent in urban areas.

It also reported that 63.5 per cent of service recipients paid bribes, with the figure rising to 66.3 per cent in urban areas.

Investigations at several BRTA offices uncovered allegations that broker networks continue to dominate service delivery, despite the introduction of online systems.

One of the most serious concerns relates to the issuance of vehicle fitness certificates.

Transport sector insiders alleged that roadworthy certificates are being issued to mechanically defective vehicles in exchange for bribes, posing significant risks to public safety.

BRTA’s own records indicate that around one-third of buses inspected were found to have major fitness deficiencies.

Road Transport Special Engineer Subhash Barua said corruption and broker influence remained deeply embedded in BRTA operations.

While acknowledging that some vehicle owners also seek shortcuts to obtain certificates for unfit vehicles, he questioned why investigations rarely examine how drivers involved in accidents obtained their licences.

At the Dhaka Metro Circle-3 office in Uttara-Diabari, although learner permits and fee payments are processed online, investigators found that brokers continued to control the handling of documents.

Similar allegations have emerged from several BRTA offices, where outsiders reportedly manage official files and computer systems.

According to BRTA sources, applicants are required to complete written, oral and practical tests to obtain driving licences.

However, allegations suggest that candidates using brokers are often passed regardless of performance, while others face unnecessary obstacles despite meeting the required standards.

The Dhaka Metro Circle-2 office at Ikuria in South Keraniganj has also come under scrutiny over allegations that politically connected broker groups continue to influence operations.

Local sources alleged that an organised syndicate controls activities from the office entrance to service counters and is involved in collecting money through unauthorised parking, shops and transport operations.

Former seal contractor (such position was abolished in 2022) Abu Bakkar Siddique, identified by investigators as a key figure in the alleged network, denied direct involvement, saying, “I don’t do any work myself now.

I get it done through people.” He acknowledged obtaining his former position through political connections and admitted maintaining links with influential political figures during the fascist Awami regime.

Investigators also alleged that a number of BRTA officials and employees were linked to the collection and distribution of illegal payments.

Similar complaints have surfaced at BRTA offices in Gazipur, Chattogram and Narayanganj.

At the Gazipur office, investigators alleged that thousands of driving licence applicants rely on brokers, generating illicit payments estimated at around Tk50 lakh a month.

One applicant claimed he paid Tk12,000 through a broker and passed the examination with minimal assessment.

In Chattogram, service recipients alleged that unofficial payments are demanded for route permits, ownership transfers and vehicle fitness certificates.

Meanwhile, although the Anti-Corruption Commission previously conducted an operation at the Narayanganj BRTA office and recovered unsigned fitness certificates, allegations of bribery and customer harassment persist.

Responding to the allegations, Narayanganj BRTA Assistant Director (Engineering) Mahbubur Rahman said applicants are regularly warned against using brokers but acknowledged that many still choose to do so. He declined further comment.

BRTA Chairman Engineer Mohammad Shafiquzzaman Bhuiya said all allegations were being treated seriously.

“If evidence of irregularity is found, no one inside or outside the organisation will be spared,” he said, adding that the authority was preparing a comprehensive drive to ensure broker-free and corruption-free public services.