Serious allegations of irregularities have emerged regarding the repair cost, spare-parts records, and inventory management of a bus at the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) Joar Sahara Bus Depot. Significant discrepancies between two repair estimates for the same bus, contradictions between the documents recommending the vehicle for condemnation and subsequent plans to repair it, and allegations that old spare parts were removed from the depot have raised questions about transparency and accountability in the entire process.

According to the documents obtained, the bus in question bears registration number Dhaka Metro-B-11-5499 and was manufactured in 2011. Due to its age and the reported unavailability of required spare parts in the local market, the bus had been recommended for condemnation.

However, the repair estimates reveal a striking discrepancy. According to Memorandum No. 312 dated March 10, 2024, the estimated repair cost of the bus was Tk 385,725. Approximately 21 months later, on December 15, 2025, the estimated repair cost for the same bus was revised to Tk 3,247,200. This represents an increase of Tk 2,861,475, or more than eight times the original estimate.

For such an old vehicle, a clear technical explanation is required as to why the estimated repair cost increased so dramatically within a relatively short period. The issue becomes even more significant because the motor-vehicle condemnation report reportedly stated that the bus’s engine, air-conditioning system, and gearbox were completely unserviceable. Despite this, a subsequent repair estimate of Tk 3.247 million was prepared, raising questions about the basis of the decision.

There are also allegations that various old spare parts were removed from the bus while it was kept at the depot workshop. It is important to verify whether those parts were properly recorded in the relevant store registers and whether there are documents relating to their receipt, transfer, disposal, or auction. At the same time, the allegation that inflated or fictitious bills and vouchers may have been prepared in the name of supplying and installing new spare parts should be independently investigated.

To establish the facts, the inventory records from before the bus was sent to the workshop should be compared item by item with the inventory recorded on December 15, 2025. A forensic audit should also examine purchase orders, suppliers’ invoices, prevailing market prices, Store Receiving Reports (SRRs), bills, vouchers, and payment documents relating to the procurement of spare parts.

Labour costs should also be scrutinised. The number of workers engaged, the duration of their work, job cards, wage registers, and payment vouchers should be cross-checked against the actual repair work carried out on the bus.

In addition, it should be examined whether there is any direct or indirect connection between the bus and the process of selling 33 condemned BRTC vehicles for Tk 1,611,500.

Given that public funds and state-owned assets are involved, the allegations warrant an impartial and transparent investigation. An independent inquiry committee comprising technical experts, audit and accounting professionals, and relevant administrative officials could be formed to examine the matter.

The investigation should determine whether there were genuine technical reasons behind the increase in the estimated repair cost from Tk 385,725 to Tk 3,247,200, or whether the unusually high expenditure was linked to financial or administrative irregularities. A thorough investigation is essential to establish accountability and ensure the proper use of public resources.