The programme should begin in about three months as part of Dhaka Urban Transport Project (DUTP) and will be conducted by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

Sources in the Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB) said necessary equipment such as gas analysers, smoke meters and engine tuners are currently being purchased for the training. Such equipment are believed to help quick and efficient identification of the reasons for harmful emission.

"Mechanics from government enlisted automobile workshops will be trained by experts to properly identify and correct emission problems. Foreign experts might also be hired for the programme if necessary ," said a DTCB official.

"Diesel- and petrol-run vehicles are the biggest polluters and the workshop will teach proper ways to handle such vehicles," he added.

Most automobile workshops in the city do not have the equipment to identify the factors causing harmful emissions.

Participant at the workshops will be awarded certificates at the end of the training programme.