Motorcyclists in trouble
Major Muhammad Asadullah (Retd), Satkhira
The countrywide drive by the law enforcers under the coverage of 'Emergency' has put the booming motorcycle business in disarray. The thana premises have turned into a junk area for keeping motorcycles. The so-called 'helicopter service' operating in some of the remote areas of the Satkhira district has ceased to function. The common people have lost their mobility to a great extent causing the momentum of life to come to a standstill. The authorities are not allowing anyone to ply any motorbike without BRTA registration number. There are examples that the newly purchased motorcycles were taken into custody even while making their maiden journey home. This is ridiculous!Most of the motorcycle users are not from the upper segment of the society. They can't afford to purchase a bike with full cash payment. They need to make an installment arrangement with the local dealers. The dealers also take some calculated risks and fix up a payment schedule affordable to clients. Normally 6-8 months' time is given. In some cases the dealers give an extended time of one year. No dealer hands over original documents, required for BRTA registration, to clients unless the full payment is made. On the other hand, BRTA takes almost six months to hand over the registration number to the applicants in an upgraded district like Satkhira. The dealers' plight is more painful. They are just paying huge bank interest every month without even getting back their dues as the motorcycle buyers have been passing idle times. In light of the above, the following points should be considered. The local authorities should allow 6 months' time to complete all the formalities with BRTA from the date of purchase of motorcycle. BRTA may authorise local dealers to issue motorcycle registration number to the buyers on their behalf. The ownership (BRTA documents) of the motorcycle may be given to the purchasers once the dues are fully cleared.
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