Summary:
- Driving licenses and fitness certificates will be automatically cancelled if not renewed within BRTA’s specified timeframe, with advance notifications to be sent to holders.
- BRTA officials will face direct legal consequences for accidents caused by vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates or proper driver’s licenses.
- Approximately 450,000 pending driving licenses are scheduled to be issued by March 2025, alongside a new simplified licensing process focused on driver training.
- A comprehensive monitoring matrix has been implemented to track and improve road safety measures, license issuance, and fitness certification processes.
Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Advisor Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced that driving licenses and fitness certificates will be cancelled if not renewed within specified timeframes. The announcement came during a road safety discussion meeting at the BRTA building on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
“BRTA will send advance notifications specifying the renewal deadline for licenses and fitness certificates. If licenses are not renewed within this period, they will be automatically cancelled,” Khan stated during the meeting.
The advisor emphasized stricter accountability measures for BRTA officials. “BRTA officials will be held directly responsible for accidents caused by vehicles operating without proper fitness certificates or driver’s licenses. They will face legal consequences for any resulting fatalities,” he warned.
To improve road safety and streamline the licensing process, the ministry has developed a comprehensive monitoring matrix. “We have established a detailed framework outlining what needs to be done, who will do it, how it will be implemented, and the necessary timeframes and requirements. We will closely monitor this system,” Khan explained.
The announcement comes amid significant changes in Bangladesh’s road safety landscape. The BRTA has recently transitioned to a permanent electronic driving license system, replacing traditional plastic cards. This new system offers greater convenience and cost savings, with license verification possible through the DL Checker mobile app.
Addressing the backlog of pending licenses, Khan assured that approximately 450,000 pending driving licenses would be issued by March. He also announced plans to simplify the licensing process, stating, “The current process for issuing driving licenses and fitness certificates is overly complex. We will make it more straightforward and effective, with a primary focus on driver training.”
These developments align with Bangladesh’s broader road safety initiatives, including the implementation of a new comprehensive Road Safety Act expected to be completed by June 2024. The measures aim to reduce road accidents and improve overall road safety standards across the country.
Source: Bangla Tribune
