CUMILLA, BANGLADESH — In a major initiative to regulate urban transport and curb traffic congestion, the Cumilla City Corporation (CuCC) has officially launched an online application process for battery-operated auto-rickshaw and Mishuk licences.

The registration window opened on Sunday, 9 August, and will remain accessible until 31 August. Vehicle owners and drivers operating within the city limits are required to submit their applications online through the dedicated portal set up by the city administration.

According to an official public notification signed by the Cumilla City Corporation Administrator, Md. Yousuf Mulla Tipu, all operations concerning ownership registration and driver licensing will be conducted strictly online. Late applications submitted after the 31 August deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances.

Key Application Criteria and Eligibility

To streamline the process and prevent commercial exploitation, the local authority has established specific parameters for prospective applicants:

• Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

• Ownership Limit: A single individual or household may apply for a maximum of one ownership or driving licence. Multiple applications originating from the same family will lead to immediate cancellation.

• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of 200 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) must be paid per application using the designated online payment gateway.

• Licence Validity: Issued licences will remain valid for one year and must be renewed annually in accordance with updated governmental regulations.

Applicants are required to upload supporting documentation during the submission process, including a copy of their National Identity (NID) card, a recent passport-sized photograph, a local citizenship certificate, and valid proof of purchase for the respective auto-rickshaw or Mishuk.

Enhancing Urban Mobility and Driver Standards

For driving licences, candidates who have undergone formal training and successfully passed the driving evaluation test will be granted official permits. The city corporation emphasised that all submitted documentation will undergo rigorous verification before any permit is issued.

Furthermore, the public notice contained a strict warning against corrupt practices, stating that any evidence of illicit financial transactions or bribery beyond the prescribed fee will result in the immediate rejection of the application alongside legal prosecution.

This digital initiative marks a pivotal step toward modernising transport governance in Cumilla. Rapid urban expansion in recent years has led to a significant increase in unregulated light electric vehicles, contributing heavily to traffic bottlenecks and heightened urban noise pollution across key corridors. By implementing a centralised, digital licensing framework, the city administration aims to ensure passenger safety, establish accountability, and restore order to the city’s public transit ecosystem.