BRTA deploys 61 mobile courts for safe Eid return journey

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has activated a central control room and deployed 61 mobile courts nationwide to ensure safe travel during the Eid-ul-Azha return journey.

Vigilance teams comprising BRTA officials, district administrations, police, and transport associations are stationed at four inter-district bus terminals in Dhaka and terminals across every district.

Drivers are being briefed before departure on speed limits and safe overtaking, while announcements at key terminals discourage reckless driving. Special drives are also targeting motorcycle speeds on highways.

Between May 22 and May 31, mobile courts conducted 758 drives nationwide, filing 813 cases, collecting fines totalling Tk 16,61,230, impounding six vehicles, and deducting one demerit point. Fifty-nine executive magistrates conducted the operations, according to BRTA data.

In one notable enforcement action, a mobile court yesterday fined Rafraf Paribahan bus (Metro-Ba-15-2534) Tk 3,000 after a passenger complaint exposed overcharging and unsafe seating on the Netrokona–Dhaka route. The bus had taken on extra passengers, seated them on stools and the engine cover, and charged each Tk 300 illegally.

After the BRTA chairman was alerted via the helpline, Mymensingh BRTA Divisional Mobile Court-19 intercepted the bus at Patgudam Terminal. Executive Magistrate Iffat Hashem verified the complaint, fined the operator Tk 3,000 under Section 92(1) of the Road Transport Act, 2018, seized the stools, and returned Tk 3,000 to the ten affected passengers.

"Mobile courts will continue taking action against passenger harassment, overcharging and extra passengers during the Eid return rush," Iffat said.