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World Bank suggests . BRTC privatisation

By Asiuzzaman
The World Bank has suggested denationatisatfon of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC).
However. BRTC authorities have refuted the WB report as biased and misleading.
A high official of the BRTC. who preferred anonymity said that the report waa misleading the government adding that the BfTTC could be made operationally profitable by restoring discipline In this sector.
The official said that during the past few years a total anar Chy was prevailing tn the BRTC whk-h brought the Corporation down to this level.
The revenue earnings of the Corporation started increasing since January after some stern measures were taken and It rose by 50 percent" the BRTC official said adding 'on public sector transport system in the world is profitable."
The World Bank in a report suggested denationalisation of all the public sector transports.
The official mentioned that the Taka 150 crore-assets of the Corporation would be sold al a nominal price if it was denationalized.
Moreover, the whole transport system would become hostage to some private companies and the job of nearly 4,000 employees would be threatened, he added.
The government was still undecided about the implementation of the WB suggestions the source pointed out.
The Corporation did not have any regular subsidy from the government but sometimes got grants, he claimed.
The BRTC has been burdened with a loan of Taka 100 crore and another Taka 1000 crore in interests since the beginning of Its operations tn 1961, the source said adding that since independence it has incurred a loss of about Taka 37 crore.
The Corporation now has 432 buses of wfiich 220 are out of 'order and getting rusty over the years in 16 depots.
Taka 4.75 .crore Is needed to repair the damaged buses but there1 are no funds In hand to start the repair work, the BRTC official said adding that the government was actively considering providing the funds. If the fund was sane-' tioned, the BRTC would he able to operate more buses.
The source said that the Corporation has been sustaining a loss of 14 paisa per passenger as It follows the tariff fixed by government being a service-oriented Corporation.
The official however admit- _ ted that some unscrupulous employees and workers were instrumental for the present condition of the Corooration.