Experts call for banning unfit vehicles to curb Dhaka’s air pollution

Experts and relevant stakeholders have called for banning unfit vehicles from operating on the roads, ensuring quality fuel and training drivers to operate vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner to reduce air pollution in Dhaka.

They also stressed the need to restore road discipline and strictly enforce transport laws.

The recommendations came at a discussion organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters in the capital’s Banani on Wednesday.

CAPS Chairman Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder presented the keynote paper at the event.

He said air pollution levels were high in several parts of the capital, including Abdullahpur, Mirpur-10, Gulistan and Gabtoli. Construction work, road sweeping and the movement of heavy trucks were also contributing to pollution, he added.

CAB President AHM Shafikuzzaman said the transport sector was responsible for at least 50% of Dhaka’s air pollution. Such pollution was increasing various health risks, including cancer and heart disease, he added.

BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman said vehicle fitness tests were being conducted daily, with 15 to 20 unfit vehicles being sent to dumping facilities following inspections. Mobile courts were also being operated regularly, he added.

Speakers at the meeting emphasised ensuring the quality of fuel and lubricants, taking action against old vehicles and those emitting excessive smoke, and providing training to drivers.

They said coordinated efforts by all relevant stakeholders, alongside strict enforcement of laws, were essential to controlling air pollution.