The New Nation - Internet Edition

AS reported in the media, at least 3,000 'outmoded and unfit' small buses ply in the country's capital city in total defiance of the ban even under the emergency rule. Showing disregard to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the bus owners 'managed' to put their unfit vehicles on the streets defying the ban that was enforced strictly with a view to improving city's chaotic transport system six years ago. The Communication Ministry in collaboration with the Traffic wing of DMP had imposed the ban on the plying of buses more than 20 years old in the capital to check environmental pollution.

After imposing the ban, the authorities kept constant watch and conducted drives occasionally for keeping city's transport system in order. Around 4,000 small buses having less than 36 seats, better known as minibuses, are plying in the city. Only last month, the interim government by issuing a handout announced that the15 to 20 year-old minibuses would be phased out from the city roads and replaced by 52-seat CNG-run buses. But how far the government decision would be effective in implementation is doubtful, as officials concerned appear to be lacking in seriousness.

The owners somehow 'managed' to ply their outdated and unfit buses on city routes like Sayedabad, Jurain, Postagola, Jatrabari, Demra, Shanir Akhra, Gulistan, Sadarghat, Rampura and Mirpur thus foiling the efforts made for improving the transport system and getting rid of pollution. Defiance of the laws continues despite claims made by BRTA and DMP officials of conducting occasional 'drives' by mobile courts and special teams against the rejected vehicles in the city. Strict implementation of laws and rules is a must for improving the situation.