The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has announced that all passenger buses and other road-based public transport vehicles across the country must be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices by 1 August as part of efforts to strengthen road safety and improve transport monitoring.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the transport regulator said the directive follows a decision taken by the Road Transport and Highways Division through a notification released on 11 June.
According to the BRTA, transport operators will be required not only to install GPS devices but also to ensure that the systems remain active and functional at all times. Authorities believe the introduction of technology-based monitoring will help improve passenger safety, enhance vehicle tracking capabilities and support more effective oversight of public transport operations.
The regulator stated that compliance with the GPS requirement will become a key condition for obtaining important vehicle-related services. Public transport operators seeking new vehicle registration or renewal of fitness certificates will have to demonstrate that approved GPS devices have been installed in their vehicles.
Officials said the measure is part of broader initiatives aimed at modernising the transport sector and increasing accountability in road transport services. By enabling real-time tracking, the system is expected to assist authorities in monitoring vehicle movement, addressing safety concerns and responding more effectively to emergencies.
BRTA has also informed transport owners and operators that technical specifications and requirements for approved GPS devices are available through its regional offices as well as on its official website.
With the 1 August deadline approaching, transport operators have been urged to complete installation procedures promptly to avoid complications related to registration and fitness certification in the future.
