Staff Reporter:

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has made GPS mandatory for all public transports across the country from August 1.

Under the new directive, proof of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices installation must be submitted when applying for the registration of new vehicles or renewing fitness certificates.

Vehicle owners will also be required to demonstrate through a mobile application that the GPS device is functioning properly.

The information was disclosed in a public notice issued by the BRTA on Tuesday (28 July).

According to the notice, the Road Transport and Highways Division issued a gazette notification on 11 June to ensure safer road transport and promote the use of modern information technology in public transport. In line with that notification, all public transport vehicles must have an operational GPS device installed from 1 August.

The BRTA said the technical specifications for GPS devices are available at its local offices and on its website. During registration or fitness certificate renewal, vehicle owners must submit proof of GPS installation to the relevant BRTA office and demonstrate through a mobile application that the device is active.

The notice further states that, under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022, registration and fitness certificates will be issued or renewed only after authorities verify that the required GPS device has been installed in the vehicle.

The BRTA has urged transport owners and their representatives to take the necessary preparations and cooperate in implementing the new requirement.