The High Court (HC) today ordered authorities concerned to investigate a report of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) giving its 7,580 square feet staff canteen at its Uttara Depot of MRT Line-6 for only Taka1,000 per month.
A High Court division bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah passed the order after hearing on a writ petition filed in this regard.
The court in its order asked the Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary to investigate into the matter and submit a report within one month. It also issued a rule, asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the court shall not
declare the decision of renting out that huge canteen space on such a cheap rate, as illegal and without lawful authority.
According to the newspaper reports, DMTCL through a notification on March 14, 2024, stated about giving the space on rent. Signed by its general manager (Operation and Procurement) Md Nazrul Islam, the notification said DMTCL is giving the space on rent for Taka 12,000 a year to contractor firm Khandaker Enterprise. The news created sensation on social media also.
Supreme Court lawyer Tanvir Ahmed filed the writ challenging the decision of the DMTCL. Advocate Ahmed moved the plea before court himself while assistant attorney general Selim Azad stood for the state.