Fake licences, endangered lives

All this is the result of a classic combination of corruption and callousness on the part of BRTA officials concerned and traffic policemen on duty. Mere observance of a traffic week every now and then and seizure of some fake licences can only make a minor dent in the racketeering -- the racket operating on a triangle involving brokers, corrupt employees of BRTA and traffic personnel on the road. It is a matter of grave concern when one finds that you could get a genuine licence through a broker for Tk 5500 and Tk 5000 in two categories when these should officially cost you between Tk.1250 and Tk.650 respectively. This certainly speaks a lot about the operational procedures applied by BRTA in the issuance of licences. There is something seriously wrong with the procedure through which a licence is issued.

In recent times there has been a considerable increase in fatalities by road accidents; surely the factor of fake licences has had a major role in most of these deaths. We must devise ways and means to tackle this matter effectively. The authorities should immediately take into custody the known gangs engaged in dealing in fake licences. Consideration should also be given to strict imposition of high rates of fines and varying degrees of jail terms for defaulters depending on the nature of violations -- from wrongful parking to involvement in actual accidents. A provision could also be introduced for permanently canceling the licence of an individual for a certain number of recorded traffic violations.

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There is no short-cut to solving this endemic issue of both corruption and total mismanagement. Yet, we strongly believe that given the will and commitment on the part of the administration, the overall mismanagement including the scourge of fake driving licence could be effectively addressed. We need to do it urgently to save lives.