Editorial
Lease irregularities on the rise
Costing national exchequer heavily
GOING by newspaper reports, we are disheartened to learn that ministers and ruling MPs have taken advantage of a loophole in the existing leasing guidelines to award to cronies some 143 out of a total of 362 river port leases. The problem with such generous handouts is that the national exchequer is deprived of its due share of earnings as the normal bidding process and eventual quality management are sidelined. The excuse being given for bypassing the bidding process is that it entails court cases between contending parties that lengthen the time for awarding lease.
The normal practice is for revenue charges to increase by at least 10 per cent per annum is being flouted. As per Bangladesh Inland Water Transportation Authority data, revenue has plunged in comparison to 2007. Allegations of illegal toll collection have arisen against parties who have gotten the leases through political connections. It has come to light that these parties have gone beyond their jurisdiction and are collecting extra toll from all who use the ports including vehicles bringing passengers to the terminal.
Needless to say that inland water ports are the lifeblood for the economy, ferrying passengers and goods all over the country. Misuse of power to benefit a handful at the detriment of the majority can in no way be condoned and we strongly urge that the normal practice of handling lease agreements be restored for the greater benefit of the people.
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