The government has made the installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices mandatory in all public transport vehicles as part of efforts to build a safer, more modern, and technology-driven road transport system.
The directive was issued recently by the Road Transport and Highways Division under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and will come into effect on August 1, 2026.
According to the official notification signed by Assistant Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin, the decision has been taken in the public interest under Sections 44 and 124(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 2018 to strengthen road safety and improve transport management.
GPS Required for Fitness Certificates
Under the new regulation, all categories of public transport vehicles must be equipped with functional GPS devices while operating on the roads.
The government has linked GPS installation to the issuance and renewal of vehicle fitness certificates. As a result, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority will not issue or renew registration and fitness certificates for public transport vehicles that fail to comply with the GPS requirement.
The notification further states that GPS installation will be inspected alongside other technical requirements under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022.
Improved Monitoring and Road Safety
Officials say GPS technology will enable authorities to monitor the real-time location, speed, and route of public transport vehicles more effectively.
The system is expected to help:
- Control overspeeding
- Reduce road accidents
- Improve vehicle tracking
- Strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention
- Enhance overall transport management
Experts Welcome the Move
Transport experts believe mandatory GPS tracking will increase accountability and discipline in the public transport sector.
They say the technology will also provide reliable data on a vehicle’s movement and location during accidents, emergencies, or other unexpected incidents, making investigations and responses more efficient.
Awareness and Implementation Measures
The notification states that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority will issue separate public notices and awareness campaigns to facilitate implementation of the new requirement.
Copies of the directive have been sent to relevant government agencies, including the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister’s Office, Bangladesh Police, Highway Police, Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation, BRTA, the Government Transport Department, and divisional commissioners across the country.
Officials believe the initiative will play a significant role in improving road safety, strengthening oversight, and promoting greater accountability across Bangladesh’s transport sector.
