With law enforcers scrambling to mobilise transport for the national election, a surge in vehicle requisition has triggered widespread anxiety among private vehicle owners and transport operators across the country.
Under existing law, police and the administration may requisition (temporarily take) buses, microbuses, pickups, legunas and other vehicles for public interest, emergency needs, or official duties particularly during elections or security operations. But an investigation by TIMES found multiple allegations that legal procedures are being overlooked, with owners complaining of forced seizures, lack of prior notice, and unpaid compensation.
Legal framework, compensation rules
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, the DMP commissioner may requisition vehicles through written orders. The law allows authorities to retain vehicles for a maximum of seven days, with mandatory compensation for owners, including fuel costs and driver expenses.
A High Court verdict delivered on 8 June 2022, issued 11 directives governing requisition. The ruling requires prior notice, compensation within 15 days for any damage, and payment of fuel and food expenses. It also bars the requisition of vehicles carrying women, children, or patients.
On 1 February, the Election Commission issued guidelines to Dhaka police detailing requisition procedures and compensation rates. The directive allows temporary use of vehicles for transporting election officials, ballot boxes, and polling materials, with payments to be made based on prevailing local rental rates.
Allegations from the ground
Despite the legal provisions, field reports suggest a different reality.
In Patuakhali, pickup driver Md Bulu Mia told the TIMES that police seized his vehicle papers at a ferry terminal and handed him and his pickup to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for election duty; without his consent.
“I’ve been performing duty at the BGB camp since then,” he said, adding that he has yet to receive any payment. Two other pickup drivers at the same camp reported similar experiences, saying they were brought in unwillingly and remain uncertain about compensation.
In Dhaka’s Rampura, leguna drivers said many operators are keeping vehicles off the road to avoid requisition. Driver Kaiyum said stands that were once crowded are now thinning out. “Earlier police only paid fuel costs. Drivers fear losing income if vehicles are taken,” he said.
Another driver, Hashem, added, “If police detain our vehicles, our daily earnings stop. We live hand to mouth.”
Public transport also affected
Local bus operators reported similar concerns. Drivers and helpers said requisitioned buses often receive only food allowances, leaving daily wage earners financially strained.
Private car owners have also expressed alarm. Family members of a national daily editor alleged that police requisitioned their personal Noah vehicle – used to transport women and children – without owner consent, issuing a slip only to the driver.
On social media, private car owners have been sharing fears and limiting vehicle use. One doctor, requesting anonymity, said police attempted to requisition his car but relented after he argued it would disrupt medical services.
Scale of requisition
DMP Traffic Chief Additional Commissioner Anichur Rahman told media that authorities may require 2,400 buses, 30 trucks, 1,100 legunas, and nearly 1,000 microbuses.
These vehicles would be deployed across nine agencies, including the Army, Ansar, and BGB, for election duties.
Owners demand clarity
On 31 January, the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association held a press conference demanding suspension of long-distance bus requisition and clear compensation announcements.
Secretary General Saiful Alam said while owners are willing to support national duties, the government must specify payment structures. “Those assisting throughout the election period must know how much compensation they will receive,” he said, urging clarity on disbursement mechanisms.
Growing unease
On-the-ground observations suggest requisition drives conducted without full adherence to rules are fuelling public fear. While transport owners say they do not wish to obstruct government responsibilities, they insist prior consent and lawful compensation must be ensured.
As election logistics intensify, balancing security needs with citizens’ rights remains an emerging challenge.
