The Bangladeshi government has announced a mandatory 60-hour training programme for all drivers seeking a driving licence, in a bold initiative aimed at reducing road accidents, restoring discipline on the nation’s roads, and controlling both noise and air pollution.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the BRTC Training Institute in Tejgaon, Dhaka, during the inauguration of the Integrated and Participatory Noise Control Project (3rd Revised Edition). The programme targets professional vehicle drivers and transport workers, aiming to improve driving skills while raising awareness of noise pollution and road safety.
Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Railways, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised that road deaths are one of the greatest national tragedies and criticised bureaucratic obstacles for slowing progress.
“Every year, the number of road fatalities rises, yet we fail to make the desired progress,” he said. “The primary obstacle is bureaucratic complexity, which weighs heavily on the public and often neglects human responsibility.”
Describing the existing system of issuing licences as “one of the world’s most absurd regulations,” he said that under the new framework, drivers must complete 60 hours of training before receiving a licence. The programme will assess driving competence alongside physical fitness, eyesight, and other health criteria to ensure only qualified drivers are licensed.
“The core objective of this initiative is to save lives, reduce road fatalities, restore order, and control noise and air pollution, transforming Dhaka into a more liveable city,” Khan added. He also urged government employees to serve the public responsibly and uphold their duties for the greater good.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted the initiative’s significance. “In the past 54 years, very few practical measures have been implemented effectively. This is the first evidence-based, participatory initiative aimed at meaningful change,” she said. She noted that drivers are the most affected by horn misuse and stressed that traffic police would now have responsibility under the noise control regulations to enforce compliance, including levying fines when necessary.
She also highlighted air pollution, noting that Bangladesh ranks among the highest globally, largely due to black smoke from BRTC buses, urging immediate action from BRTA and BRTC against non-compliant vehicles.
Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, emphasised the importance of a disciplined transport sector for national development. He explained that the 60-hour training would teach drivers practical skills such as safe horn usage, lane discipline, traffic signal compliance, and adherence to road laws. The programme is intended to be ongoing.
Key Features of the 60-Hour Driver Training
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 hours (mandatory) |
| Target Group | Professional drivers and transport workers |
| Core Focus | Driving skills, road safety, traffic law, horn usage |
| Health Assessment | Physical fitness, eyesight, general health |
| Pollution Control | Noise and air pollution awareness |
| Implementation | BRTC Training Institute, Tejgaon, Dhaka |
| Enforcement | Traffic police to monitor and fine violations |
This comprehensive approach marks a significant step towards safer roads, responsible driving, and a cleaner, quieter urban environment in Bangladesh.