Transport Workers Slam Road Law, Demand Repeal at BRTA Hearing
Transport Workers Slam ‘Discriminatory’ Road Law at BRTA Hearing, Urge Repeal
“Fascist Government’s Road Transport Act is Discriminatory” – Transport Workers Demand Abolition through Commission at BRTA Public Hearing in Chattogram
On the occasion of “July People’s Uprising Day 2025,” BRTA Chattogram Metro-1, Metro-2, and District Circle organized a public hearing on Tuesday at 3 PM at the BRTA office in Notunpara, focusing on various service activities.
July People’s Uprising Day 2025
July People’s Uprising Day 2025 commemorates the historic pro-democracy movement that shook Bangladesh in July 2024. Sparked by student-led protests against discriminatory job quotas, the uprising quickly turned into a nationwide call for justice, equality, and reform. It marks a turning point in the country’s democratic struggle.
BRTA service recipients, representatives from road transport-related organizations, civil society members, and journalists attended the event.
During the hearing, many service recipients said they were satisfied with BRTA’s services. However, transport owners’ representatives raised concerns. They noted a drop in large vehicles like buses and minibuses. They blamed the increase in small vehicles in Chattogram city and nearby districts.
Road Transport Act 2018
Transport workers’ union leaders strongly criticized the 2018 Road Transport Act. They called it a “black law” made by the then fascist government. According to them, the law is highly discriminatory toward transport workers. They demanded its immediate repeal through the formation of a commission.
Md. Masud Alam, Director (Engineering) of BRTA Chattogram Division
Speaking at the hearing, Md. Masud Alam, Director (Engineering) of BRTA Chattogram Division, stated:
“To build a truly prosperous and inclusive new Bangladesh, we need united efforts from all involved in road transport.”
Also present at the hearing were:
- Md. Touhidul Hossain, Deputy Director (Engineering), BRTA Chattogram Division
- Syed Ainul Huda Chowdhury, Deputy Director (Engineering), Chattogram Metro-2 Circle
- Md. Anwar Hossain, Assistant Director (Engineering), Chattogram Metro-1 Circle
- Rayhana Akter Urthi, Assistant Director (Engineering), Chattogram District Circle
along with other officials and staff members.
