One-month deadline sparks rush and higher prices; owners face additional expenses of Tk700–Tk1,000 per motorcycle

Golam Mostafa Jibon:

Nearly five million motorcycle owners in Bangladesh are being forced to spend about Tk350 crore to Tk500 crore to install front number plates following the new directive issued by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) recently.

The sudden requirement, coupled with a one-month deadline, has triggered a rush at motorcycle workshops and raised concerns over higher prices and the capacity of businesses to meet the demand.

The initiative aims to help artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic cameras identify motorcycles involved in traffic violations and criminal activities. While bikers have welcomed the objective, many say the short deadline has increased their financial burden, particularly because most motorcycles do not have designated fittings for front number plates.

A visit to Mirpur-10, one of Dhaka’s major motorcycle parts and repair markets, on Saturday found hundreds of motorcycles waiting for number plates to be made and installed. Shops across the market were busy handling the surge in demand.

Parvez Howlader, owner of Parvez Seat Cover at Momtaz Plaza, said an engraved stainless-steel plate costs Tk400, while a waterproof printed plate costs Tk300. Installation costs another Tk100–Tk150, and a separate clamp can cost Tk200–Tk800, depending on the motorcycle model. The total expense can therefore reach Tk700–Tk1,000.

Sadik Ahmed, who came from Pallabi to install a plate, said his motorcycle had no provision for fitting one at the front. He had to spend Tk750 on a plate and a clamp.

“Traders are charging more because demand has suddenly increased. A plate that previously cost Tk200 is now selling for Tk400–Tk500,” he said.
Several other motorcycle owners said that, the one-month deadline was too short to accommodate nearly five million motorcycles, creating opportunities for traders to make higher profits. However, they supported the initiative, saying AI cameras could improve traffic discipline and help prevent crimes.

ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR MOTORCYCLE OWNERS:
Market visits found that prices vary by material and manufacturing method. Stainless-steel plates made using laser cutting or CNC engraving cost Tk700–Tk1,000, including fitting arrangements. Aluminium plates cost Tk750–Tk850, while acrylic or plastic plates cost Tk550–Tk600. The BRTA directive specifies stainless steel or aluminium.

Many motorcycles imported or assembled in Bangladesh lack front mounting points, requiring owners to pay extra for customized clamps. Some fear that modifications could also affect their motorcycles’ original design.

Shuvo, a senior salesperson at Honda showroom Bike Valley in Mirpur’s 60 Feet area, said the company had begun developing front-plate clamps for different models. Some were already available, while work on others had been delayed by the Puja holidays.

According to figures presented by Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam in parliament on June 15, Bangladesh had 4,997,090 registered motorcycles. At an average installation cost of Tk700 each, the total expenditure would be about Tk349.8 crore. At Tk1,000 per motorcycle, it would reach nearly Tk499.7 crore.

POLICE OPEN TO DEADLINE EXTENSION:
Anisur Rahman, additional police commissioner and head of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic division, said front plates were necessary to identify motorcycles through AI cameras and detect those involved in crimes.

He expressed hope that, the market would meet demand within the deadline, noting that multiple businesses were producing the plates. However, if owners faced practical difficulties in complying on time, the authorities might ask the BRTA to extend the deadline.

In a public notice issued on October 16, the BRTA instructed motorcycle owners to install front number plates by November 15, warning of legal action against non-compliance.

The prescribed dimensions are 200 by 100 millimetres for scooters and 285 by 50 millimetres for other motorcycles. Plates must have a white background, black registration numbers in Bengali, and lettering at least 20 millimetres high. Decorative designs are prohibited.

While the measure has received support from many riders, concerns remain over the additional costs and whether the short deadline will allow owners to comply without undue financial pressure.