Rajshahi Mayor suggests closure of BRTC service
Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
Ignoring people's demand, Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu MP has suggested closure of state-owned BRTC (Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation) bus service in Rajshahi region. He made the suggestion in a letter to the communications ministry on July 17, it was gathered. He said in the letter that private bus operators would face 'heavy losses' if BRTC buses ply on self-arrangement and lease system. "BRTC buses are unnecessary on Rajshahi-Chapainawabganj and Rajshahi-Naogaon routes as the number of private buses on these routes are more than needed", the letter said. The Mayor also said in the letter that he suggested closure of BRTC bus service in the "interest of peace". BRTC service in the area was stopped on June 29 following clashes with private bus operators. It resumed on July 10 following demonstrations by people in different districts including Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj. Many people this correspondent talked to said passengers were earlier hostage to private bus operators, who charged fares at will in absence of BRTC buses.
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