Bangladesh’s BRT project faces complications due to tender disputes, delays in approvals, and alleged interference from political figures.
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| The BRT project in Dhaka remains stalled due to delays in bus procurement, with political and legal battles complicating its progress. Image: ChicHue |
Dhaka, Bangladesh — February 5, 2025:
The Bangladesh government has been making strides in addressing Dhaka's chronic traffic congestion with several transformative infrastructure projects, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Metro Rail Transit (MRT), and Elevated Expressway. While MRT and the Elevated Expressway are partially operational, offering tangible benefits to the public, the BRT project, valued at Tk 8,268 crores, remains incomplete due to persistent complications in procuring buses, delaying its potential impact.
The BRT system, a globally recognized solution to urban congestion, operates in approximately 25 countries and has inspired similar initiatives worldwide. In Bangladesh, the project was initiated in 2012 with funding from the French Development Authority (AFD) and under the oversight of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project includes the development of a 20.5 km dedicated bus corridor from Dhaka International Airport to Gazipur, 25 modern stations, and facilities for bus storage and maintenance. A fleet of 187 buses — 137 diesel and 50 electric — was planned, with the operations designed to align with the MRT ticketing system.
To oversee the system, the government established the Bus Rapid Transit Co. Ltd. (Rapid Transit plc). After completing civil works at a cost of approximately Tk 3,500 crores, the company called for tenders to purchase the 137 diesel buses on January 14, 2024. However, the process was met with resistance from Khandaker Enayet Ullah, Secretary General of the Bus Truck Owners Association, who argued that the BRT system would negatively affect private bus operators. His objections, however, appeared to overlook the broader benefits to public commuters.
Sources reveal that the tender process became further entangled in a power struggle between then-Minister of Roads Obaidul Quader and Sheikh Selim, a member of parliament from the influential Sheikh family. Quader backed Higer Bus Company, the lowest bidder, while Selim lobbied for Zhongtong Bus Company, the third-lowest bidder. Unable to reach a consensus, the tender was canceled, with Higer Bus Company accepting the decision. In contrast, Zhongtong Bus Company, represented by Sheikh Selim, challenged the cancellation in court, ultimately losing the case.
Following the court ruling, the BRT project authority re-invited tenders on June 10, 2024. After reviewing bids, they recommended King Long Bus Company, the lowest bidder, for the project. The recommendation was submitted to donor agencies (ADB and AFD) for approval, and the authority sought administrative approval from the Project Management Board. Despite unanimous backing from the board for a swift resolution, Md. Ehsanul Haque, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, delayed the process.
At this point, the Bus Owners Association issued a negative report in the media, accompanied by an anonymous letter sent to the ministry’s adviser. Md. Ehsanul Haque forwarded the letter to the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA), which advised against considering anonymous complaints. The project authority then resubmitted the proposal, along with BPPA’s opinion, to the ministry. In response, Haque sought further verification from former Secretary and Procurement Consultant Faruque Hossain, who confirmed that the procurement process had followed proper procedures. This validation revealed that Penta Global Limited, the local representative of Zhongtong Bus Company, had attempted to mislead the project, the public, and the judiciary.
Meanwhile, Zhongtong Bus Company — the third-lowest bidder in the original tender — filed an appeal in court, despite lacking approval from its local representative, Penta Global Limited. Insiders suggest that Sheikh Selim, reportedly absconding, may be attempting to influence the judiciary by impersonating a lawyer in this case.
Despite repeated recommendations from the board and donor organizations, Senior Secretary Md. Ehsanul Haque continues to delay the project. Representatives of King Long Bus Company have raised concerns that Haque may be colluding with Penta Global Limited to obstruct progress. Citizens, frustrated by the delays, have called for immediate action to ensure the timely completion of the BRT system.
In response to the growing controversy, Md. Ehsanul Haque stated that a proposal to extend the project timeline has been submitted to the Planning Commission. He also noted that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the matter due to its complexity.
The resolution of these procurement challenges is crucial to the timely delivery of the BRT system, which promises to provide an efficient, modern transit option and significantly alleviate Dhaka's traffic congestion, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents.