Some 76 resident and non-resident Bangladeshis have shown interest in holding the managing director (MD) post in the metro rail company after it was opened for the first time to a qualified national or international expert.
As the application deadline for the highly-technical post ended on November 14, sources said the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) formed a six-member committee headed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology's vice-chancellor to carry out the selection process.
The MD post at Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) became vacant after the past office-bearer's appointment was cancelled on September 9 for illegally occupying the position for seven years.
MAN Siddique took the position in October 2017 soon after his retirement using his power as the RTHD secretary.
Official sources said the selection committee, which has already held a meeting, has short-listed a few qualified applicants for the interview.
"Initially, seven to eight applicants will be invited as part of the process," said an official preferring not to be named. He said more applicants might be invited later if those on the shortlist are found unqualified.
Sources said most of the applicants have been found unqualified as they do not meet the basic criteria like technical knowledge and experience in metro rail abroad. The post has so far been held by bureaucrats, but the government now wants to appoint someone having the necessary technical prowess and skills. There are plans to do the same for other posts as well.
DMTCL was formed in 2013 to construct, operate, and maintain mass rapid transits (MRTs). Six MRT routes have been planned for the city. MRT-6 is in operation, and two others are at the procurement stage.
smunima@yahoo.com