TDS Desk:

Interim Government’s Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said on Sunday that Dhaka Metro Rail services will resume within seven days max.

He came up with the announcement during an introductory meeting with officials at the ministry in Dhaka.

The adviser emphasized that there would be a renewed focus on development projects, ensuring that progress is not limited to Dhaka alone but also extends to neglected areas.

He stressed the importance of cost-efficiency in every project, noting that instructions have been given to adhere to budget constraints.

Regarding the procurement process, the adviser indicated that single-source procurement, which had been prevalent, will be discontinued. Instead, there will be a move towards competitive tendering to prevent favoritism and ensure transparency.

He also addressed the issue of inadequate parking spaces on major roads in Dhaka, directing that measures be taken to address this. Vehicles will not be allowed to stop arbitrarily, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow.

In addition to focusing on Dhaka and major cities, he underscored the need for development in areas with high pedestrian traffic and addressed the high cost of road construction in Bangladesh, asserting that this perception must be changed. The same contractor should not be assigned all projects; instead, contracts will be awarded to those who perform well.

Regarding the irregularities in the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), the adviser shared his own experience of inconvenience.

He recounted how he had to take a week off to obtain a driving license, criticizing the lengthy process and vowing to address such issues to prevent future harassment for citizens.