Experts and planners have questioned the government's decision to scrap the Gazipur Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project after approximately Tk 2,800 crore had already been spent on it. Professional bodies have urged the government to reconsider the decision and conduct an independent investigation into the project.

Questions Raised Over Project Cancellation

Following the announcement of the project's cancellation, urban planners and transport experts have begun discussions, with the primary question being why the project was scrapped after such a massive expenditure. According to experts, abruptly cancelling the project after spending such a huge amount of public money would constitute a waste of resources and could discourage future large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

Professional Bodies Demand Review

According to a report by The Daily Star, professional bodies have called on the government to reconsider the decision. They have stressed the importance of consulting with all relevant stakeholders before any final decision is made. The organisations have also demanded an independent investigation into the project's costs and effectiveness. They argue that there must be clarity on viable alternatives before the project is officially scrapped.

Significance of the Project

The Gazipur BRT project was considered crucial for improving connectivity between the capital and the northern region. It was expected to significantly reduce travel time between Gazipur and Dhaka. However, the project faced multiple delays due to various complications. The decision to scrap it has now disappointed local residents and regular commuters who had been awaiting its completion.

Next Steps

Experts and professional bodies have called on the government to provide a detailed explanation for the cancellation decision. They insist that the real reasons behind scrapping the project after such a large investment should be made public. Failure to do so, they warn, could negatively impact the government's investment policies in the future.