A shortage of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cards has left over 610,000 driving license applications pending in Bangladesh, causing significant challenges for the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The delay stems from a contractual dispute with Madras Security Printers (MSP), the Indian supplier responsible for delivering the cards.
In addition to the backlog, new applications, renewals, and corrections continue to pour in, exacerbating the situation and leaving applicants uncertain about when they will receive their licenses.
According to BRTA records, a contract worth BDT 1.2 billion was signed in July 2020, requiring MSP to supply 4 million smart driving license cards by July 2026. However, the supplier has delivered only half the required amount so far.
BRTA officials stated that MSP’s delay is disrupting operations. Meanwhile, MSP claims the production halt is due to unpaid invoices from BRTA. The situation has created hurdles for applicants, many of whom are unable to access employment opportunities without valid smart cards.
To address the crisis, BRTA has introduced an e-paper driving license system, providing temporary documents with QR codes to applicants who pass the driving test. This measure allows them to legally operate vehicles until their smart cards are issued.
Director of BRTA’s Audit and Legal Division, Mohammad Kamrul Islam, noted that MSP is attempting to fulfill its commitments, and the interim e-paper system is aimed at minimizing inconvenience.
BRTA’s reliance on contractors for smart card issuance has led to mixed results in the past. Before MSP, a joint venture involving French and local firm Tiger IT Bangladesh Ltd. successfully delivered 1.5 million cards ahead of schedule.
The new government, which came to power on August 8 after the fall of the Awami League administration, replaced smart cards with standard PVC cards for driving licenses. According to BRTA sources, new applicants will receive PVC cards, while existing cardholders will need to return their old smart cards for replacement.
