Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has declared Uber, an app-based taxi service, illegal for launching its service in the city without permission from the authorities concerned, reports UNB. BRTA issued a circular declaring the service illegal, unlawful and a punishable offence. Uber, the smartphone app that has transformed urban mobility for millions across the world, launched its service in the city promising change in the commuting experience in the busy capital. The BRTA, in its notice published in different newspapers yesterday, said if any company launches taxicab service it requires to take permission from the Road Transport and Highway division through BRTA as per the ‘Taxicab Service Guideline, 2010’. The notice also said the online-based Uber is launching their service illegally which is contradictory to Motor Vehicles Ordinance. It also suggested the vehicle owners and drivers of Uber not to continue the service.