The BRTC has sought Tk10 crore compensation from the prime minister, in order to repair the buses that had been vandalised or set ablaze during political violence since January 2013.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) recently sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) seeking financial assistance, claiming 205 of its buses were damaged in attacks that caused losses of more than Tk10 crore.
Their request came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on February 25, handed over cheques totalling Tk4.20 crore as financial assistance to 146 private vehicle owners who had been affected during the ongoing blockade. The maximum of Tk10 lakh compensation was given to individual owners by the premier.
“Private bus owners received compensation. So why should not we get financial support from the PMO fund?” BRTC Chairman Mizanur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune.
“We have estimated the compensation according to our existing law,” he added.
According to the BRTC letter, 121 buses were vandalised and 46 buses were torched between January 2013 and January 2014, causing losses worth Tk9.88 crore; since January 5 this year, 28 BRTC buses had been vandalised and 10 buses set on fire, causing Tk80 lakh in losses. The total loss stands at more than Tk10.68 crore.
“BRTC is a state-owned organisation that operates buses during any type of political unrest. So we should get priority for receiving financial assistance,” Mizanur said.
“If the government does not fulfil the demand, we will face troubles in providing the proper services,” the BRTC chairman added.
