Bangladesh’s first smart school bus service in Chattogram, launched to ensure safe student commutes and reduce traffic congestion, is facing closure due to a serious financial crisis following the withdrawal of its main sponsor.
The service, initiated in November 2023 as a joint venture between the Chattogram District Administration and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), currently operates 10 double-decker buses on 10 routes across key city areas including Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, New Market, Chawk Bazar, Cheragi Pahar, and Kotwali. Over the past 19 months, it has served more than 3,000 students daily from ten schools.
Each bus, with a capacity of 78 passengers, is equipped with GPS tracking, GIS, IP cameras, and a digital attendance system that enables real-time notifications to parents and live tracking of the vehicle.
Despite the system’s popularity and effectiveness, the future of the service has been jeopardized after corporate sponsor GPH Ispat Ltd withdrew its funding commitment.
The company had pledged Tk1.44 crore over two years, disbursing Tk72 lakh in 2024. However, in a recent communication with the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner’s Office, GPH Ispat cited economic challenges as the reason for its inability to provide further funding in 2025.
Although fare boxes were installed for a voluntary Tk5 student contribution, collections have remained irregular, forcing the service to rely almost entirely on sponsorship.
Since the sponsor`s withdrawal, BRTC has provided Tk42 lakh from its own budget over the past six months to keep the service running. That reserve is now nearly depleted.
BRTC officials report that operational difficulties have intensified, with unpaid salaries for drivers and assistants extending to seven months, and no funds remaining for daily fuel expenses.
In response to the situation, Chattogram’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT), Md Shorif Uddin, stated that discussions are ongoing with school principals regarding an increase in student contributions to support the service.
He emphasized that steps are being taken to continue the operation of this essential transportation system.
