Rajshahi, August 3 (V7N) — A stalled bus pushed by its own passengers on a national highway has highlighted the growing crisis of unfit vehicles across northern Bangladesh, where thousands continue to risk their lives due to outdated, poorly maintained public transport.

A bus broke down on the busy Rangpur-Bogura highway near the Bonani area, forcing passengers to push it manually in an attempt to restart the engine. The incident, while unusual elsewhere, is a regular sight on regional and national highways across northern Bangladesh, especially in districts like Rajshahi, Natore, Bogura, and Sirajganj.
 
According to local transport observers and passengers, a large number of buses, private cars, and microbuses operating in these areas are decades old, lack proper fitness certification, and are operated by undertrained or careless drivers. These vehicles often appear freshly painted to look roadworthy but are far from safe.
 
With no better options, passengers often travel in these aging and risky vehicles, putting their lives in jeopardy.
 
Data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) reveals that 255 road accidents occurred in the division over the past year, claiming at least 380 lives, including passengers, drivers, helpers, and pedestrians. Over 500 people suffered serious injuries or permanent disability during the same period.
 
Despite mounting fatalities, many of the vehicles on the roads are over 25–30 years old and have not been properly maintained. Authorities acknowledge the crisis. Harunur Rashid, Assistant Director of BRTA in Bogura, said that regular drives are being conducted against unfit vehicles and penalties are being imposed.
 
Still, denial persists among those in the transport sector. “All our vehicles have fitness certificates,” claimed Prashanta Kumar Poddar Lakshan, President of the Natore District Bus-Minibus Owners' Association.
 
Meanwhile, Sanjida Afrin Jhinuk, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, said safety signage, chevrons, and 3,000 road stars have been installed at accident-prone curves to reduce crashes. She added that a new directive from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges to confiscate vehicles over 20 years old came into effect on July 20.
 
Even so, the problem remains widespread. According to BRTA data, there are at least 1,200 unfit vehicles currently operating across the division, continuing to threaten the safety of commuters daily.
 
Transport experts and rights groups have called for stricter enforcement, real-time inspection, and the promotion of safer public transport alternatives in underserved districts.
 
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