State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid Habib -File photo

By Mostak Ahmed

DHAKA, July 29, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid Habib today said the government is implementing extensive reform programmes in the country's transport sector to build an eco-friendly, modern, and technology-driven public transport system.

Speaking in an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at the Secretariat today, the State Minister said the government has undertaken initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles through various policy incentives, introduce an environmentally compliant vehicle scrapping policy for old buses, reorganise the capital's bus terminal system, and establish an integrated public transport network combining metro rail, monorail, and modern bus services.

He said the present government is giving equal importance to improving the quality of public transport alongside the development of transport infrastructure.

"The government's goal is not only to build new roads and bridges but also to establish a modern public transport system that is safe, timely, environmentally friendly, and easily accessible to the people," he said.

He said developed countries around the world are gradually shifting from fossil fuel-based transport to electric vehicles.

"Bangladesh also wants to move in line with this global transition. Increased use of electric vehicles will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, save foreign exchange, lower air and noise pollution, and provide urban residents with a healthier environment," he added.

Habibur Rashid Habib said the government has significantly reduced the nearly 62 percent tax previously imposed on electric vehicles to encourage their wider use.

He expressed hope that the measure would encourage greater investment in the sector and make electric vehicles more affordable for ordinary people.

He said reducing taxes alone would not be sufficient, adding that the necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles must also be developed.

"To that end, initiatives are being taken to gradually establish charging stations across the country, enhance technological capacity, and develop the required skilled workforce," he said.

He added that the number of electric buses would be increased and the use of modern technology in the transport sector would be expanded further.

Highlighting the government's new plan for old and unfit buses, the State Minister said such buses had traditionally been abandoned after being taken out of service.

"However, the importance of the circular economy has increased significantly around the world. Therefore, the government is moving towards an environmentally compliant vehicle scrapping policy," he said.

Referring to the government's plans to ease traffic congestion in the capital, the State Minister said congestion is currently caused because both city buses and inter-district buses operate from the same terminals.

To address the situation, the government plans to use bus terminals within Dhaka primarily for city bus services, he said, adding that inter-district and long-distance buses will be relocated to designated modern terminals on the outskirts of the capital.

Once implemented, the initiative will reduce the movement of heavy buses within the capital, ease traffic congestion, make commuting more convenient and orderly for city residents, and improve passenger services.

The State Minister said the government's long-term plan is to establish an integrated public transport system under which metro rail, monorail, electric buses, and modern city buses will operate within the same network.

"A passenger will be able to transfer easily from one mode of transport to another. This will reduce travel time and costs, increase public confidence in public transport, and reduce the use of private vehicles," he said.

Referring to environmental protection, Habibur Rashid Habib said climate change is now one of the world's greatest challenges.

He said Bangladesh has undertaken various initiatives to address its impacts, adding that greater use of electric vehicles in the transport sector and environmentally compliant scrapping of old vehicles would play an effective role in reducing carbon emissions.

"At the same time, the city's air quality will improve, ensuring a cleaner and more liveable environment for future generations," he said.

The State Minister said a modern, safe, and technology-driven public transport system is essential to achieving the goal of a developed Bangladesh.

He expressed hope that the government's continued development initiatives would help establish such a transport system, making a significant contribution to the country's economic growth, investment, industrialisation, and urban development.

He also expressed hope that, once the government's plans are implemented in phases, Bangladesh will emerge as one of South Asia's leaders in modern, environmentally friendly, and efficient public transport systems.

He said a new era in the country's transport sector could begin through public cooperation and coordinated efforts by all relevant stakeholders.