The Ministry of Public Administration officially terminated the remaining term of the MRT Line-1 Project Director's contract on September 1, 2025. Although the file for the President's approval was later submitted on September 21.
Sources indicate that the decision to terminate the contract was not just administrative but influenced by pressure from multiple quarters, including a senior government adviser and the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL). The report found that an official personally visited the Ministry of Public Administration to expedite the cancellation process.
The MRT Line-1 project, one of the largest urban mass transit initiatives in Bangladesh, has faced several administrative and operational challenges over the years. The project leadership and contract management have been under public scrutiny, especially in terms of timelines, budget allocations and coordination with contractors and consultants.
According to reliable sources, the cost of the underground section of MRT-1 is US$199 million per kilometer, which is lower than Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne. Comparable to Ho Chi Minh City: Including the cost of construction of the line and stations, Dhaka's cost is in line with similar projects in Southeast Asia. High cost does not mean inefficiency: The relatively high cost mainly reflects the first-time mobilization, complex geological conditions, and improved safety and quality assurance, which is not waste or inefficiency. Considering Dhaka's engineering and financial challenges, the cost of $199 million per kilometer is reasonable and comparable to international standards. Dhaka's underground metro is a future-oriented project designed to ensure safe services for the people. But without hearing all this, this project was cancelled based on news reports alone.
An official of MRT Line-1, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Observer that there was uncivilized behaviour towards the donor agency, disregard for the terms of the loan agreement with Japan, and sarcastic remarks were made. In addition, there was uncivilized and uncivilized behaviour towards everyone, including consultants and colleagues. PPR, laws, loan agreements of various donor agencies, lack of proper understanding and experience in professional matters were highlighted.
Project Director Abul Kasem Bhuiyan told this correspondent that since joining, efforts have been made to remove the team leader of the consulting firm by appointing people of his choice, contrary to the rules specified in the JICA guidelines.
Observers note that the cancellation of the remaining tenure of the project director comes at a crucial stage of project implementation, raising questions about the continuity of management and the potential impact on the ongoing construction and operational readiness. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns that, if influenced by external pressure, such administrative intervention could impact the overall efficiency and timely completion of the MRT Line-1 project.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the cancellation, stressing that the decision was made to ensure smooth implementation of the project by following standard administrative procedures and under competent leadership. Meanwhile, DMTCL said that interim arrangements will be made to maintain project continuity and minimize disruptions.
The development highlights the complex interplay between administrative oversight, political considerations and operational management in major public infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
