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Transport Workers Federation Urges Vehicles to Keep Running Amid ALS Shutdown

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 6:14 GMT by The Daily Star

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Transport Workers Federation Urges Continuation of Vehicle Operations Amid ALS Shutdown

Bangladesh’s transport sector is poised for a week‑long disruption as the government announced the shutdown of the Automated Logistics System (ALS) for maintenance and regulatory compliance. In response, the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation (BTF) has called on the authorities to allow vehicles to keep running during the ALS shutdown, citing the potential impact on commuters, businesses, and the economy at large. The federation’s latest communique, published on The Daily Star on 15 October 2024, details its demands, the rationale behind the protest, and the expected ramifications of a complete halt to vehicular operations.

1. What is the ALS and Why is it Being Shut Down?

The ALS—short for the Automated Logistics System—is the digital backbone that manages registration, licensing, and real‑time monitoring of commercial vehicles across Bangladesh. Operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (MoRTB), the system has been instrumental in streamlining traffic management, enforcing safety standards, and collecting toll and tax revenues. Over the past decade, it has grown to encompass more than 150,000 registered vehicles, including trucks, buses, taxis, and rickshaws.

In a recent memorandum to the BTF, the MoRTB confirmed that the ALS would be taken offline from 20 October to 28 October 2024 to facilitate a comprehensive upgrade of its servers, database, and user interface. The ministry stated that the shutdown was essential for "enhancing system reliability, integrating new GPS tracking modules, and bolstering cybersecurity measures." However, it did not provide a clear plan for alternative arrangements for vehicle registration or toll collection during this period.

2. BTF’s Position and Key Demands

The BTF, the largest union representing a spectrum of transport workers—from truck drivers and bus operators to rickshaw pullers—has expressed alarm at the potential ripple effects of a full ALS shutdown. The federation’s executive president, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, stated in an interview with The Daily Star:

“If the ALS is closed, there will be no official means for drivers to verify their licence status or for authorities to collect tolls. This will create chaos on the roads, hamper freight logistics, and ultimately affect the livelihood of millions of transport workers.”

The BTF’s main demands are as follows:

1. Maintain Vehicle Operations – Allow all commercial vehicles to continue operating in the public domain even if the ALS is offline.
2. Temporary Registration Mechanism – Deploy a provisional manual or paper‑based registration system for drivers to prove compliance with licensing norms.
3. Toll Collection Interim Plan – Install temporary toll booths or digital payment kiosks that function independently of the ALS.
4. Clear Communication – Publish a timeline and contingency plans for the ALS shutdown on the MoRTB website and through mainstream media.
5. Safety Audits – Conduct periodic safety checks on vehicles to prevent potential road hazards during the interim period.

BTF representatives also highlighted that a complete halt would disproportionately affect rural areas, where transport infrastructure is already under strain. “Many of our members in the North and Sylhet divisions rely on these services for daily cargo transport,” noted BTF’s deputy president Shirin Khatun.

3. Government’s Response and Counter‑Arguments

In a statement released by the MoRTB’s spokesperson, Sahidul Alam, the ministry acknowledged the federation’s concerns but emphasized that the ALS shutdown is “a necessary step for the long‑term improvement of road safety and revenue collection.” Alam said that the ministry is “working closely with the BTF to ensure that no disruption occurs” and that temporary measures are in place.

The ministry also clarified that:

• Toll Collection: The Ministry will temporarily operate toll plazas through manual counters, ensuring that revenue flow continues.
• License Verification: Drivers will be required to carry a manual license verification form that will be checked at checkpoints. “The Ministry will issue temporary license stickers that can be used until the ALS is back online,” Alam explained.
• Road Safety: The ministry will dispatch additional traffic police and safety inspectors to monitor vehicles and enforce compliance.

Nevertheless, the BTF maintains that the proposed measures do not provide adequate safeguards. “Our members will face increased risk of fines or even detainment if a driver’s digital record cannot be verified,” asserted Mizanur Rahman.

4. Historical Context: Transport Strikes and ALS Disruptions

This isn’t the first time the BTF has confronted government policy over ALS issues. Earlier this year, the federation had protested a sudden change in toll rates that impacted freight costs. That strike, which lasted three days, led to a significant increase in transport fares and delayed the delivery of essential goods. The incident was widely covered on The Daily Star in an article titled “BTF Strikes Over Toll Hike; Transport Services Disrupted.” In that piece, the BTF’s leaders called for a transparent review of toll structures and a better communication channel with transport workers.

During the 2019 ALS upgrade, the government faced criticism for not providing a clear alternative system for drivers. The incident forced the Ministry to establish a temporary “Paper-Based Verification System” that required drivers to submit signed forms at registration offices. While it mitigated immediate disruption, it also exposed gaps in the enforcement of safety protocols. Those lessons shape the current debate.

5. The Road Ahead: Possible Scenarios and Implications

The transportation sector’s reaction to the BTF’s demands will determine whether a balanced solution can be found. If the Ministry decides to keep vehicles running with the temporary measures in place, the country may experience minimal disruption. However, critics warn that this approach could lead to lapses in compliance and safety, as manual systems are prone to errors and fraud.

Conversely, if the BTF’s demands are not accommodated and the ALS shutdown results in a halt of vehicle operations, the repercussions could be far‑reaching:

• Economic Impact: Freight transport disruptions could delay the delivery of goods, inflate prices, and hurt small businesses.
• Commuter Inconvenience: Bus and taxi services would suffer, leading to longer travel times and higher fares.
• Public Safety: Without the ALS’s real‑time monitoring, road safety incidents could rise, as authorities would have limited visibility over vehicle compliance.

The BTF has warned that should the government refuse to grant a provisional arrangement, it may escalate its protest—possibly including a nationwide strike that could bring the country’s transport network to a standstill.

6. Conclusion

The clash between the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation and the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges over the ALS shutdown illustrates a broader tension between modernization and the immediate needs of workers. While the ALS upgrade promises long‑term benefits, the transition must be managed in a way that safeguards livelihoods, ensures road safety, and preserves essential transport services. As the dates approach, the eyes of commuters, freight operators, and policymakers alike remain fixed on whether the BTF’s demands for continuity will be met, or whether the country will endure a period of unprecedented transport disruption.