At least three people were killed and 20 others injured in a gas cylinder blast in a bus in Sadar upazila of Lakshmipur district early Monday. The deceased were identified as Suman Hossain, son of Batu Mia; Md Yusuf Mia and his brother Hridoy Hossain, sons of Sujamia. They hailed from Sadar Upazila's  Charmonsha and Banchanagar areas respectively. Among the injured were Suman Hossain, Rocky Islam, Muhammad Fahad Hossain, Siraj Mia, Hriday Islam, Shah Khan, and Abdul Malek. Ten of the injured were shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for better treatment. Read: Gazipur cylinder blast: Death toll rises to 17 Witnesses said that the explosion occurred at around 2 am at Green Life Filling Station in Muktiganj area when a Ramgati-bound bus of Meghna Paribahan was refueling. The blast left three people dead on the spot and injured 20 others. Al Amin, the manager of the filling station, said the victims were mostly CNG-run autorickshaw drivers and the injured included both bus and CNG drivers. Ranajit Kumar, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) department in Sadar upazila, said two firefighting units were sent  to the scene after receiving information. They recovered three bodies and rescued the injured. The bodies were sent to Sadar Hospital. Read more: 3 suffer burn injuries as gas cylinder blasts in Malibagh According to Kumar, the accident occurred due to the use of a substandard gas cylinder. Dr Joynal Abedin, resident medical officer of Sadar Hospital, said that the bodies were sent to morgue for autopsy while 10 injured to Dhaka for better treatment.

Dhaka’s ambitious Metro Rail service, connecting Uttara to Motijheel, has significantly impacted the traditional public transport ecosystem, especially affecting bus services on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route. The introduction of this modern transit option has led to a sharp decline in bus ridership, with operators reporting a 30-40% reduction in the number of buses on this route. Transport proprietors are bracing for a further decline in bus numbers as the warmer months approach, predicting that the allure of the metro’s air-conditioned comfort will draw even more commuters away from buses. The diminished appeal of buses, once a staple for Dhaka’s commuters, is particularly noticeable during peak metro operational hours, despite an observable decrease in traffic congestion. Read more: Quader provides update on Metro Rail extension till Tongi The potential extension of metro rail service hours beyond the current 7:10 am to 8:40 pm timeframe threatens to exacerbate the financial strain on bus operations, prompting owners to consider rerouting their fleets or selling them off. “From a daily tally of 500-600 buses, we’ve plummeted to just 300-400 buses on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route,” stated Md Shahjahan, Managing Director of Shikhor Paribahan, highlighting the scale of the downturn.

A passenger bus caught fire in the capital's Shahbagh area on Saturday night. The fire broke out at around 11:25 pm, said Mustazirur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shahbagh Police Station. On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire. The fire might have originated from a technical fault, added the OC. Police are investigating the matter, he said. However, no causalities were reported in the fire.

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samiti (BJKS), a passengers' welfare platform, on Saturday (January 20, 2024) demanded the government introduce 5,000 new high-quality buses on the streets under a company with the government's management by removing existing rickety vehicles from the capital. Secretary General of the BJKS Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury raised the demand in a press conference organised at the city's Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday morning. In a written statement, he said that the current government has pledged that the country will join the ranks of developed countries by 2026. The government is determined to improve the public transport system in Dhaka and elsewhere. Quoting a JICA survey, the BJKS's secretary general said that there are currently 4 crore daily passenger trips in the capital. Consumer protection a top priority at DITF: Commerce State Minister There is a huge scope for transport business, and the transportation system of the city can be changed overnight through bus service if only extortion is stopped and dedicated bus lanes can be introduced, he said. There are examples of owning 600-800 buses of many transport companies in Bangladesh after they started plying on the streets with one bus. However, the state transport agency BRTC is not able to operate buses under its own management and is leasing them out to private individuals and institutions. The number of these buses is decreasing due to lack of maintenance, he added. Dutch NGOs reaffirm interests in Bangladesh He urged the government, instead of bureaucracy in the management of BRTC, if BRTC can be managed by appointing managers with technical knowledge and experience in managing bus companies from the international market. it will play a major role in the passenger transport sector besides making BRTC profitable, he said. The BJKS said that due to incompetence of leadership, inefficiency of management, lack of proper monitoring and monopolistic dominance of political contractors, corruption is going on. The new government has made political commitment to establish good governance in these sectors. ”We want to see the reflection of this commitment of the government by ensuring quality and accountability in every project involving road, rail, sea and air,” he added. Dengue claims two more lives

Navigating public transportation routes in this crowded city of Dhaka poses a challenge. The labyrinth of bus transit lines confounds both commuters from the city and from outside. Amidst this urban maze, the advent of cutting-edge mobile applications to find public transport makes life a bit easier. Let’s explore the useful mobile apps to find bus routes in Dhaka city. 6 Handy Mobile Apps to Locate Bus Routes in Dhaka Bus Route: Dhaka City It was launched on October 3, 2023. This app, developed by Puresoft Solutions, includes a comprehensive list of bus commute lines and integrates with Google Maps. The service was last updated on October 16. This smart solution provides a user-friendly experience by allowing users to select their starting point and destination. Additionally, passengers can conveniently check stations near their current location. This feature enables catching a desired bus from any nearby location, even without knowing the station's names. All station and bus movement information is directly accessible on Google Maps. The app offers language flexibility, allowing users to view content in both Bengali and English. Furthermore, users can change the interface's appearance to suit their preferences. The digital service, identified as version 1.1.1, is compatible with Android 5 and above. Over the last two months, it has garnered more than 5,000 downloads and earned a commendable 4.4-star rating from 54 reviews. This 11 MB Android application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.  Read more: Top 10 Wallet Apps to Organize Finances Dhaka City Bus Route Launched on April 18, 2017, this mobile app, with a modest size of 4.2 MB, is a creation of 71 Lab. It stands out for its exceptional user-friendly search feature, allowing users the freedom to explore various routes without any limitations.  Beyond its primary function, the app enhances user experience by providing additional features such as directions to Dhaka's notable points of interest, crucial contact numbers for emergency services, and legal assistance. The mobile software's journey continues with its latest version, designated as version 15, which received an update on November 28, 2023. Offering compatibility with Android 4.4 and higher operating systems, the app has garnered significant attention. With a remarkable 50,000-plus downloads, it has earned a commendable 3.7-star rating given by a diverse user base of 270 reviews so far. Read more: Top 10 Free Video Editing Apps for iOS, Android Dhaka Bus Route Developed by Coderco, this Android app was launched on August 24, 2023. With a size of 5.8 MB, this app has quickly become a reliable database, encompassing not only local buses but also providing information on seating and counter buses. This app helps to locate of the public transport service in Dhaka The app's journey through versions continues, with the current version standing at 2.2, a steadfast continuation since the last update on November 27, 2023.  With a download count exceeding 1,000, the digital solution has garnered a favorable 4.3-star rating evaluated by a user community of 36 reviews.  To run this app, users need an Android 7.0 and above operating system on their phones. Read more: Youths showing the way in smart farming with apps Dhaka City Bus Routes This app by Ncosync has a download size of 14 MB. Launched on May 26, 2023, this app offers an expansive database, featuring over 156 buses and more than 287 route lists. This app's standout features include an effective search function and visuals of buses, providing users with a unique and comprehensive experience. Updated on August 26, 2023, the app, currently at version 11.0.0, has seen its downloads surpass 1,000 since its launch. Compatible with Android 5 and above, it has earned a respectable 3.5-star rating from 15 reviews. Read more: Best Ridesharing Apps in Bangladesh BD Bus Route With a download size of 6.1 MB, this app was released on November 14, 2021. Developed by the NewAgeDevs, this Android app allows users to view the routes of over 150 buses with ease. Its user-friendly interface has contributed to its impressive download count, exceeding 10,000. Featuring images of the vehicles, this app caters even to newcomers, providing a visual understanding of the various buses traversing the streets of Dhaka city. Having achieved a 3.6-star rating from 27 reviewers, the Android app was last updated on November 6, 2023, reaching version 1.1.2. Compatibility requires at least Android 5 for uninterrupted functionality. Read more: Top 5 Mobile Apps for Farmers in Bangladesh Kon Bus Kothay Jay (Dhaka City) Also known as Bus Route Info (Dhaka City), this 6.2 MB app by Global Digital Apps made its debut on the Google Play Store on November 25, 2021. The mobile software provides individual roadmaps for each bus company, offering users a comprehensive view of the diverse routes available. One of its notable features is the ability to show fares based on rates set by the national transport authority. This is made possible through a direct link to another digital service, 'Vara Koto? Bus Vara Talika,' also offered by Global Digital Apps. With a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviewers, the Android app has been downloaded more than 5,000 times. The current version, 2.2, was updated on August 14, 2023, requiring a minimum Android 5 operating system for smooth operation. Read more: Top 7 Truck Rental Apps in Bangladesh Verdict So far, we have discussed 6 Android apps to find bus routes in Dhaka city. All of these mobile apps focus on the feature of information on bus traffic across the city. However, 71 Lab's veteran solution has secured its position in the market due to maintaining a consistent update. NewAgeDevs and Global Digital Apps lead in terms of the highest number of downloads in the shortest period. Not having been updated very recently could pose a significant drawback for Global Digital Apps' app, as well as Ncosync's. Finally, if user preferences are considered, the apps developed by Coderco and Puresoft Solutions have great potential. Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka

After a day of relative calm in Dhaka, unidentified arsonists in the capital set fire to five buses in Jatrabari, Gulistan, Gabtoli, near Notre Dame College and Mirpur, all after 9pm ahead of the 48-hour countrywide blockade to be enforced by BNP and like-minded opposition parties from tomorrow (Sunday, November 12, 2023) morning. Besides, a pick-up van was torched in Gazipur's Joydebpur area around 9:33pm. On information, two firefighting teams from Gazipur Fire Station rushed to the spot and are trying to tame the blaze, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence's media cell. Spate of bus burnings after dark in capital sets stage for tense blockade A Shomoy Niyontron bus was torched in front of Sundarban Square Super Market in Gulistan around 9:00pm, he said. Two firefighting units from Siddique Bazar Fire Station are working to put out the blaze, added the officer. Meanwhile, a bus of Anabil Paribahan was torched in front of a fruit market in Jatrabari around 9:27 pm. Two passenger buses set on fire in Dhaka on eve of fresh 48-hr blockade Two firefighting units from Postogola Fire Station reached the scene to douse the blaze, added the official. A Projapati Paribahan bus was set ablaze in Mirpur around 11.30pm. Two firefighting units from Mirpur Fire Station went to the spot to douse the fire, according to Talha bin Zasim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence (media cell). Earlier, another passenger bus was set on fire in Gabtoli Bus Stand area, around the same time as the one near Notre Dame College. One more bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Mirpur

A bus of ‘Bikalpa Auto Service’ was set on fire by miscreants in Dhaka’s Gulistan area today (November 06, 2023), during the second day of the ongoing 48-hour countrywide blockade called by the BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties. Fire Service sources said that miscreants set the bus on fire at 2:05 pm in front of Bangabandhu Square Hall Market, and immediately fled the scene. On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze with the help of bystanders and locals. According to sources at Fire Service headquarters, a total of 18 arson incidents were reported across the country from 4 am on Sunday to 10 am today. 48-hour blockade: Two buses set ablaze in Gazipur Of these, 10 arson attacks were reported in Dhaka city, said Talha Bin Jasim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense media cell. Bus torched in Khulna’s Rupsha

A 22-year-old assistant of a bus driver burned to death after the Asim Paribahan bus was set on fire by miscreants in Dhaka’s Demra area early Sunday (October 29, 2023).  The incident happened at around 3 am on Sunday, said Demra Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Saidur Rahman. Read: Streets empty, vehicles burnt and vandalised in Dhaka as BNP-Jamaat observe hartal The deceased was identified as Md Naim, 22, son of Alam Chowkidar of Barishal’s Kotwali upazila. Naim used to live in Demra’s Hajinagar area.   The driver, identified as Robiul, 25, has sustained burn injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.  SI Saidur said the bus was parked on the side of the road during the incident and both the driver and helper were sleeping inside. Read: Nationwide hartal underway to protest attack on opposition rallies The identities of the miscreants are yet to be ascertained, the police official said.  Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford Hospital) for autopsy. 

Miscreants set a Dhaka-bound passenger bus on fire at Tara Bridge area of Manikganj Sadar upazila on Dhaka-Aricha highway during hartal this morning (October 29, 2023).  Although there were no casualties, most parts of the bus were burnt.  Read: Buses to ply amid BNP-Jaamat's hartal Sunday Being informed, the fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control after half an hour of efforts.  Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Golra Highway Police Station Sukhendu Basu said that some men got on the bus in the guise of passengers. When the bus crossed the Tara Bridge, they stopped the bus and called all the passengers to leave the bus.  Read: BNP calls countrywide hartal tomorrow  “Later, the bus was set on fire. Efforts are on to nab the miscreants and bring them to book,” the OC said. 

Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) will launch ‘Eid special service’ from Friday (April 14, 2023) to ensure smooth and comfortable journey of Eid holidaymakers like the previous year. The special service will continue till April 23, said a release of BRTC on Tuesday (April 11, 2023). The selling of advance tickets of BRTC buses began on April 9 from Motijheel, JoarShahara, Kalyanpur, Gabtoli, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Gazipur and Narayanganj bus depots (Chashara). Tickets of journey on Dhaka-Khulna, Daudkandi, Damudya, Dinajpur, Rangpur and Netrokona routes will be available from Motijheel Bus depot. Read: Eid vacation extended by a day The passengers can avail their BRTC tickets from Kalyanpur depot for using Dhaka-Rangpur, Panchagarh, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Kushtia, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Netrakona, Ranisankail, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur routes. The tickets for the buses on Dhaka- Bhanga, Gopalganj, Barishal, Doshmina, Aricha, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Aricha and Paturia and Jashore routes will be available at Gabtoli Depot while tickets for Dhaka-Poyshar Haat, Bishwa Road-Panchdona, Rangpur, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Tangail, Mymensingh and Bogura routes can be purchased from Joarshahara Bus Depot. People can purchase their desired tickets from Mirpur Bus Depot for journey on Dhaka-Barishal, Rangpur, Kushtia, Bogura, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Mymensingh and Naogaon routes while tickets for Dhaka-Shariatpur, Faridpur, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura and Naogaon routes will be available at Mohammadpur bus depot. Read More: Sadarghat launch terminal to see 27 lakh passengers’ pressure during Eid: Nat’l Committee Meanwhile, tickets for the routes of Bishwa Road-Pachdona, Tangail, Netrakona, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Kurigram route will be available from Gazipur bus depot while tickets for Dhaka-Rangpur, Shariatpur routes will be available from Jatrabari Bus depot. Tickets for the route of Dhaka-Gosairhat, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Naogaon, Bogura, Gaibanhda and Pabna will be available from Narayanganj bus depot while Narsingdi-Madaripur, Charmuguria and Rangpur routes will be available at Narsingdi bus depot. Besides, 60 buses will remain standby at different depots or terminals for providing emergency services from April 18, it said. Read More: Heavy traffic expected on Sirajganj highway if renovation work not completed before Eid