As a result, the distribution of smart cards hit another snag. After the process of leasing started, it had to be cancelled twice. When asked about the delay in issuing smart driving licences, BRTA Director (Operations) Sitangshu Shekhar Biswas said the authority had called for new tenders after Tiger IT ran out of cards. At present, there are around 2.7 million smart cardholders and close to 100,000 plastic cardholders.Īn IT company called Tiger IT supplied over 1.3 million smart licences during the first phase of distribution and 1.5 million during the second phase over a period of five years.Īs many as 1.5 million smart driving licences were distributed at the start of 2019 in the wake of the road safety movement, commencement of activities of various ride-sharing organisations and pressure from the law enforcement agencies, according to the BRTA. The BRTA started issuing smart driving licences with electronic chips from 2011. “I was thinking of earning some money by driving in my spare time but I couldn’t do it because of the card.”
But he has been unable to register for ride-sharing services as he did not receive his smart card. I am afraid it may get torn completely and become useless.”Ībdur Rahman, a resident of Mirpur’s Bhasantek, had passed his driving test at the BRTA grounds. "They are not handing out the licence and keep extending the issue date. The BRTA issued him a receipt after he passed the examination but he is yet to receive his smart licence.
Khairul Islam, a driver with the Public Service Commission, said he took the driving licence test in February last year.
This wouldn’t have been an issue if I had the smart card.” It’s also a problem keeping such large pieces of papers in the pocket. The papers are in really bad condition due to the exposure to rain on several occasions.”Īmin said his slips are in tatters, adding, “How can I show it to the police if they ever want to check it? The pieces will start to come off once opened. “There is no end to problems with these paper slips. The issue date on his slip was subsequently extended once again. I have been overlooked in many places for not having a smart card.”īus driver Al Amin had also visited the BRTA office on Nov 19 and learned that his card was yet to be issued. Many have managed to secure jobs by showing their smart cards. Now, they are telling me I need a smart card.