DCC in the past has had the reputation of mismanagement of construction of few over bridges in Dhaka city, which had to be abandoned after incurring huge cost. Hence, at the outset, there is the question of competence of this organisation to undertake such a project. We assume that DCC has already undertaken studies on the different aspects of this complex project, by conducting feasibility studies and making preliminary design-planning-cost estimate, etc. This is very much necessary to meet the principle of BOOT; because the client will have to be satisfied as comparison will be made with their own assessment.

We cite the example of the Jamuna Bridge. In that prestigious project, there were pre-feasibility, feasibility studies, detailed planning, design, cost estimate etc. by independent reputed consultants. Even in the tender for construction of the Jamuna bridge, there was a provision for the construction of the bridge as per design of the contractor when the client too had the design. With this approach we had the bridge in stipulated time.

This example indicates that even in case this structure is going to be built on the basis of BOOT, the client must have a yard-stick so that they can find out the rationality of the offer from the developer. The government being a responsible institution cannot and should not depend on the whims of certain developer.

I wonder how was it possible on the part of an organisation like the DCC to conduct such studies in such a short period (unless they have heavenly bodies on their payroll) and make a realistic evaluation of different offers of builders? The offer was called on the 29th April and received on 30th June 2003, a period of about 2 months. The developer, who submitted the bids, must have heavenly traits. Otherwise, it seems something simply impossible to assess the needs and requirements of the project in such a short period of time.

In Bangladesh, we have a tradition to undertake projects in a hurry without detailed studies, planning, design, evaluation, proper estimate etc. and the result is seen everywhere. All projects are delayed and never completed in time, causing huge loss to our scarce resources and time. We don't like to see this important project only half built like other city over bridges, which were hurried and buried.

We would request the honourable Mayor of Dhaka city to arrange a seminar/workshop in association with the IEB/BUET regarding the construction of this prestigious project. The DCC engineers/economist will present the methodology of construction and other salient features of the project to a gathering of reputed engineer/economist of this country.

This is necessary for the smooth execution of the project and for greater good of the country.We do not like to see an improper structure constructed in Dhaka City where reluctant road users will have to pay high toll, arbitrarily fixed by the developer to whom the structure may be mortgaged for a period of say 50/60 years.