Broker Syndicate Disrupts Services at Mirpur BRTA with Harassment, Bribery
Mafizul Islam Bondhon
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in Mirpur has become a hotbed of corruption, where harassment, bribery, and an entrenched broker syndicate dominate daily operations. Citizens seeking essential services such as driving licenses, vehicle registration, and ownership transfers are routinely forced into unofficial payments and repeated visits—despite submitting correct documentation.
Rules Alone Aren’t Enough
Frustrated service seekers report that even when all requirements are met, files often go “missing,” necessitating resubmission and additional, under-the-table payments. In many cases, applicants are left with little choice but to turn to brokers for assistance—who can guarantee smooth and speedy service in exchange for a fee.
'Express' Licenses—For a Price
Though the official timeline for obtaining a driving license is up to three months, brokers can deliver it within days. This expedited process, however, comes with a hefty price tag. Those opting to work with brokers are spared delays and harassment—raising serious concerns about internal collusion. Numerous reports suggest that these brokers have direct links with insiders at the BRTA office.
Broker Presence Overwhelms the Office
From the moment visitors step inside the BRTA premises, brokers are everywhere. They aggressively approach newcomers—especially first-time applicants or those visibly confused—offering “help” that often comes with a bribe. An investigation reveals that many of these individuals maintain close relationships with specific BRTA officials.
Political Protection Fuels Impunity
According to one BRTA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “We want to operate strictly by the book, but the brokers often enjoy political backing, which makes it hard to take action against them.”
Digital Services, But Corruption Remains
While BRTA has introduced digital platforms intended to streamline processes and reduce manual interference, corruption still thrives. Loopholes in the system allow manual interventions, nullifying the efficiency and transparency promised by digitalization.
Urgent Call for Reform
Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms, including strict legal measures against corrupt personnel and the elimination of broker networks. They call for full transparency, robust accountability, and genuinely effective digital platforms to ensure that the BRTA serves the public rather than exploiting them.
Without decisive action, citizens will continue to suffer under a flawed and exploitative system designed to serve their interests.
