Procurement delays stall Dhaka-Gazipur BRT launch
Reza Mahmud :
The government’s ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, connecting Dhaka International Airport to Gazipur, remains incomplete due to complications in the bus procurement process.
Allegations of interference by influential business entities with ties to the ruling party have further delayed the initiative, depriving citizens of the benefits of a modern transit system.
The BRT project, valued at Tk 8,268 crore, has completed civil works costing approximately Tk 3,500 crore. However, delays in purchasing 137 diesel buses have prevented the system from becoming operational.
The project is overseen by Bus Rapid Transit Co. Ltd. (Rapid Transit plc), which invited tenders for bus procurement on 14 January 2024.
The tender process faced resistance from Khandaker Enayet Ullah, Secretary General of the Bus Truck Owners Association, who argued that the BRT system would harm private bus operators. Critics have noted that this stance disregards the significant benefits the BRT system would provide to daily commuters.
A disagreement between the former Roads Minister, Obaidul Quader, and Sheikh Selim, a parliamentarian from the Sheikh family, further complicated the procurement process. While Quader supported Higer Bus Company, the lowest bidder, Selim advocated for Zhongtong Bus Company, which ranked third-lowest. This disagreement resulted in the tender’s cancellation.
Higer Bus Company accepted the decision, but Zhongtong Bus Company, backed by Sheikh Selim, challenged it in court. The court ruled against Zhongtong, paving the way for a fresh tender.
A new tender process was initiated, and on 10 June 2024, King Long Bus Company emerged as the lowest bidder.
The company was recommended to donor agencies-the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Authority (AFD) – for approval. However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges’ Senior Secretary, Md. Ehsanul Haque, delayed the administrative clearance.
The Bus Owners Association added to the delays by circulating negative media reports and sending an anonymous complaint to the ministry’s adviser. Despite the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) dismissing the complaint, further reviews were requested, prolonging the process.
Former Secretary and Procurement Consultant Faruque Hossain later verified that the procurement process complied with regulations. His findings exposed Penta Global Limited, the local representative of Zhongtong Bus Company, for attempting to mislead both the project authority and the judiciary.
Zhongtong Bus Company independently appealed in court without the consent of its local representative, Penta Global Limited. Insiders allege that Sheikh Selim, now reportedly absconding, attempted to influence the judiciary by misrepresenting legal counsel.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently investigating irregularities in the previous bus procurement process. Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan stated that an embargo has been placed on the bus purchasing process until the investigation is complete.
Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah criticised the involvement of influential allies of the ruling party, stating, “Authorities must ensure that such individuals do not exploit the system for personal gain.”
Globally, Bus Rapid Transit systems are recognised as a solution to urban traffic challenges and are operational in over 25 countries.
Initiated in 2012 with financial support from the AFD and ADB, Bangladesh’s BRT project involves constructing a 20.50 km dedicated corridor from Dhaka International Airport to Gazipur, complete with 25 modern stations, bus storage, and maintenance facilities.
The plan includes 187 buses-137 diesel and 50 electric-integrated with the MRT’s ticketing system.
While the project holds great potential to address Dhaka’s traffic challenges, delays in implementation and allegations of corruption threaten to undermine its success.