Economy
Bus Operators Struggle as Dhaka Metro Gains Popularity
Dhaka’s ambitious Metro Rail service, connecting Uttara to Motijheel, has significantly disrupted the traditional public transport ecosystem, particularly affecting bus services along the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route. The introduction of this modern transit option has resulted in a substantial decrease in bus ridership, with operators reporting a 30-40% decline in the number of buses on this route.
Transport proprietors anticipate a further decrease in bus numbers as the warmer months approach, predicting that the allure of the metro’s air-conditioned comfort will attract even more commuters away from buses. The waning appeal of buses, once a primary choice for Dhaka’s commuters, is particularly noticeable during peak metro operational hours, despite a visible reduction in traffic congestion.
The potential extension of metro rail service hours beyond the current 7:10 am to 8:40 pm timeframe threatens to intensify the financial strain on bus operations, prompting owners to contemplate rerouting their fleets or selling them off. Md Shahjahan, Managing Director of Shikhor Paribahan, highlighted the scale of the downturn, stating, “From a daily tally of 500-600 buses, we’ve plummeted to just 300-400 buses on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route.”
Shikhor Paribahan, previously operating up to 90 buses daily, has seen its fleet reduce to 60-65. Similarly, Bikalpa Auto Service has halved its operations, from 40-50 buses to merely 20-25, according to Managing Director Mahbubur Rahman. This trend has left employees like Aminul Islam, a bus helper for Shikhor Paribahan, concerned about their livelihoods as passenger numbers dwindle.
While CNG-run autorickshaws and bike ride-sharing services have also felt the competitive pressure from the metro rail, their income reductions have been less severe. However, for commuters like Ashraful Alam, the metro’s efficiency outweighs any cost savings offered by buses, with the metro rail dramatically reducing his travel time to Motijheel.
Abu Raihan Md Saleh, Joint Commissioner (Traffic North) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), acknowledged the positive impact of the metro rail on traffic flow and discipline along the Mirpur-Motijheel route. He added that traffic movement has become faster on the Uttara-Airport-Mohakhali route due to metro rail services and the opening of the Elevated Expressway, despite congestion persisting in other parts of the city.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s phased inauguration of the metro rail’s sections – the Uttara-Agargaon segment in December 2022 and the Agargaon-Motijheel section in November 2023 – has ushered in a new era of commuting in Dhaka. With extended operational hours implemented since January 2024, the metro offers a 30-minute commute from Uttara to Motijheel, providing a compelling alternative to traditional bus travel amid Dhaka’s notorious traffic congestion.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
