In response to demands from public transport owners, the government has decided to allow six months for the phase-out of old, unfit vehicles in Dhaka. During this period, vehicle owners will be required to switch to environmentally friendly vehicles. Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced this decision while briefing journalists after a discussion on the necessity of removing old vehicles to control air pollution in Dhaka, held at the Power House on Abdul Gani Road, on Thursday. BALTWF places 10-point demand to remove discriminations in transport sector, ensure road safety The adviser stated that removing these old vehicles will significantly improve air quality in Dhaka, which is crucial for protecting public health. She warned that without such actions, there will soon be no breathable air left in the city. The government will work to ensure that pollution is reduced without causing public inconvenience. She further mentioned that a campaign to control noise pollution will begin in December. The relevant laws will be amended to empower the police to impose fines, which will be deposited in banks. This measure is expected to discourage excessive use of horns. In response to another question, she also highlighted that efforts will be made to address lead pollution. DMP Commissioner seeks cooperation from transport owners to ease traffic jam in Dhaka During the same meeting, Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, stated that the government will soon implement an effective plan to remove old vehicles. This initiative will help reduce both traffic congestion and pollution in the city while ensuring minimal public disruption. The government's efforts will progressively bring pollution under control.

Benapole Transport Agency Owners Association has called off their indefinite strike demanding adequate cranes and forklifts for the country's largest land port.  The decision to withdraw the strike scheduled to begin from Tuesday  was taken after assurance from the port authorities to fulfill the demands at a joint meeting, said Azim Uddin Gazi, general secretary of Benapole Transport Agency Owners Association. Also read: Benapole transport owners call indefinite strike from Tuesday “If the demands are not met within June 16, the association will announce stricter programmer  in this regard,” he said. Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, Deputy Director of Benapole Port said,” A decision has been taken to add three new cranes and three new forklifts within next 15 days. And within next two months all the old cranes and forklifts will be changed.” Also read: 8 held over clash at Benapole port, trade resumes Earlier, Nayan, a representative of the owners, said that almost all the cranes and forklifts at the port have become obsolete. As a result, they have to pay extra money to rent trucks every day which is causing huge losses, Nayan added.

The joint committee of transport owners and workers of Rajshahi Division on Saturday announced an indefinite strike from November 1, to press for an eight-point charter.

Soon after BNP’s announcement to enforce a dawn-to-dusk hartal on Sunday, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association announced to operate their vehicles during the shutdown.