How to set up a Transport business in Bangladesh
We advise bus and truck operators, logistics companies, ride-sharing platforms and inland-water transport businesses on registration, route permits, fleet financing and liability.
Moving people and goods across the country
Road, river and rail transport are vital to Bangladesh’s economy, with growing demand for logistics, courier and app-based mobility services.
Road vehicles must be registered with BRTA and commercial vehicles need fitness certificates and route permits, while inland vessels are registered under inland-shipping rules. App-based ride-sharing operates under its own guidelines.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Choose the Mode
Passenger bus, goods transport, ride-sharing, courier or inland water transport.
Vehicle Registration
BRTA registration, fitness certificates and tax tokens for each vehicle.
Route Permits
Route permits for commercial passenger and goods services.
Platform Approvals
Enlistment and approvals for ride-sharing or courier platforms.
Insurance & Contracts
Insurance, driver contracts, fleet leasing and customer terms.
What you are likely to need
Requirements depend on the scale, location and structure of your business. Common approvals include:
- RJSC incorporation & trade licence
- e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
- BRTA vehicle registration & fitness
- Route permits
- Ride-sharing enlistment (platforms)
- Inland vessel registration (BIWTA / Department of Shipping)
- Insurance
- Courier / postal licence (where applicable)
Key laws & regulators
- Road Transport Act, 2018
- Ride Sharing Service Guidelines, 2017
- Inland Shipping Ordinance, 1976
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Insurance Act, 2010
- Contract Act, 1872
- Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009
- Regulators: BRTA, BIWTA, Department of Shipping
Your legal partner from day one
We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.
We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.
We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.
We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
What permits does a bus company need?
Vehicle registration, fitness certificates, tax tokens and route permits, alongside company and tax registrations.
Are ride-sharing apps regulated?
Yes. Ride-sharing services operate under government guidelines that require platform enlistment and vehicle and driver compliance.
Who is liable in a road accident?
Liability depends on the facts and the Road Transport Act, 2018. Proper insurance and clear driver contracts reduce risk.
Speak with our legal team
Tell us about your matter. A Premier Law Services lawyer will review it and advise you on the right next step — in person at our Dhaka chamber or online.