Bangladesh Mandates GPS Tracking for Public Transport to Boost Safety

The government of Bangladesh has mandated the installation of GPS tracking devices in all public transport vehicles, effective August 1. This new regulation is designed to bolster road safety and streamline the management of the country's transport system.

According to a public notice issued by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), transport owners are required to ensure their vehicles are equipped with operational GPS devices. The directive, stemming from a gazette notification on June 11, stipulates that proof of GPS installation must be presented when applying for vehicle registration or renewing fitness certificates. Owners will also need to demonstrate the functionality of the tracking system via a mobile app at the BRTA office.

Registration and fitness certificates will only be issued or renewed once BRTA officials confirm the proper installation of a working GPS device. This requirement is being implemented under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022. The BRTA has requested the cooperation of public transport owners in adhering to this new directive.