35-year-old DU student buses violate fitness, emission rules

Dhaka University continues operating 35-year-old buses that fail to meet current fitness certification and emission control standards, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and environmental compliance across the institution's extensive transport network.

Md Shafiqur Rahman Mollah, Assistant Transport Manager confirmed it to the Daily Observer.

Md Faruk, Chief Transport Assistant, revealed the university maintains a fleet of 23 buses, though only 14 remain operational with 13 actively running on different routes. Nine buses have been declared beyond repair and sit non-operational, whilst one air-conditioned bus remains under planning stage. 

The revelation highlights significant infrastructure challenges as the university struggles to maintain adequate transportation for hundreds of students and staff members.

Financial pressures compound the transport crisis, with monthly repair costs ranging between Tk 7 lakh to 8 lakh for basic maintenance work. Advanced repairs require separate tender processes, pushing total repair expenses to Tk 6.2 million this year against a Tk 5 million allocated budget. 

Monthly machinery and spare parts costs reach Tk 1.863 million, covering batteries and essential equipment needed to keep the ageing fleet operational.

The university's broader transport portfolio encompasses 19 minibuses (with three 28 seat air-conditioned units reserved exclusively for teachers), eight microbuses (six operational) and four jeeps designated for senior administrative use. 

One jeep is reserved for the personal use of the Vice-Chancellor, while the other three are designated for the official use of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), and the Treasurer. Also, five ambulances (one occasionally malfunctioning), and five pick-up trucks (two non-functional). Four vehicles were gifted by previous government specifically for officers' use, reflecting the hierarchical nature of transport allocation.

Driver requirements follow Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) standards, mandating proper licensing and minimum Secondary School Certificate qualifications. 

However, salary disparities between third-class employees and officers create additional administrative challenges within the transport office. 

Personal use of university vehicles by officials remains strictly prohibited across all categories of transport.

The institution's own mechanics handle vehicle recovery following accidents, though the effectiveness of this arrangement remains questionable given the age and condition of much of the fleet. 

DU's continued use of 35-year-old buses blatantly violates several national laws and international standards. Under Section 48 of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1983, all vehicles must have valid fitness certificates, nearly impossible for buses this old without manipulation. BRTA guidelines discourage public transport use beyond 20 to 25 years due to safety and pollution concerns, yet these buses remain in operation. 

Additionally, such vehicles likely breach the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, by emitting pollutants beyond permissible limits. Internationally, they fail to meet UN Road Safety Targets, WHO safety guidelines, and Euro emission standards, making them unsafe, environmentally harmful, and legally non-compliant.

Faruk confirmed that among the 35-year-old buses, five to six have been marked for auction, while only one, bearing serial number 4166, is still operational. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has reviewed and banned the use of these outdated vehicles. 

With aging infrastructure, mounting financial pressures, and regulatory compliance issues, Dhaka University's transport system faces an urgent need for comprehensive modernisation and safety upgrades.