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Bribery continues in various offices of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). Without paying bribes, many service seekers have to wait for years. To avoid such harassment, they are often forced to pay. Investigations reveal that broker syndicates operate openly in BRTA offices in Savar and Ekuria in Dhaka.
After anti-corruption drives by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), brokers go into hiding for a few days but soon resume their activities. In the Savar BRTA office, the syndicate is reportedly controlled by Maksuda Sultana and her brother Plabon Rahman. In the Ekuria office, brokers have become more aggressive with the support of office assistants and Ansar personnel.
According to BRTA headquarters, 18 services, including driving licenses, are now available online to reduce harassment. Despite this, many people still have to rely on brokers to get services.
Md. Hanif Khokon, General Secretary of the Dhaka Autorickshaw Workers’ Union, said that many people turn to brokers after failing to get their work done even after months. In most BRTA circles, services such as new driving licenses, fitness certificates, registration, and ownership transfer are completed quickly if bribes are paid. High levels of bribery are reported in Ekuria, Savar, Barishal division offices, Feni, Noakhali, Narsingdi, Cox’s Bazar, and Lakshmipur.
On the ground, it was found that brokers operate through nearby photocopy, computer, and stamp shops. In the Savar office, a syndicate led by Maksuda Sultana and her brother Plabon controls services, demanding extra money for everything from motorcycle registration to other services. Brokers even sit inside the office and work openly.
Those who pay get their work done quickly; others are delayed for months with various excuses.
During a visit to the Savar office, most customers complained about harassment. Although a driving license is required for motorcycle registration, registrations are still issued to learner’s license holders in exchange for bribes. Extra money is also taken to pass driving tests.
The Savar office has only three government officials, with the head visiting twice a week. A 12-member broker group operates under Maksuda and Plabon.
Witnesses saw brokers negotiating bribes openly. Maksuda was seen assuring customers of services in exchange for money. Brokers even use office computers and sit at official desks.
It is alleged that motor vehicle inspector Md. Zafar also collects bribes through brokers for licenses, fitness certificates, and other services. Bribes ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 4,000 are reportedly taken. Files marked with special symbols indicate bribe payments, and approvals are given accordingly.
One expatriate, Ehsan Ullah, said he had been trying for 15 days during his short leave but could not get his license without paying bribes. Another customer, Nazmul Alam, said his documents went missing and he was repeatedly harassed for new paperwork.
Officials claim action will be taken if evidence is provided. However, corruption persists despite past ACC drive, including a January 2025 raid where officials found proof of licenses issued without tests.
Broker Activity in Ekuria
Similar irregularities were found in the Ekuria BRTA office in Keraniganj. Brokers operate outside the main gate, often through nearby computer shops, charging extra money for online services.
To obtain a learner’s license, brokers charge Tk 1,500–2,000 beyond official fees. They also demand up to Tk 4,000 to “ensure” passing the driving test. Those who refuse are threatened with failure.
Customers allege that many office staff are also involved. One customer said that without paying bribes, he had to wait for hours for vehicle fitness services.
Officials, however, denied the allegation of bribery.
Source : Kaler Kantho