Bangladesh Launches Eight Pilot Franchise Post Offices with Private Sector Participation
Bangladesh has launched eight pilot franchise post offices with private sector participation to expand postal and parcel services. Adviser Fakir Mahbub Anam said the initiative will improve citizen services, encourage entrepreneurship, and create new employment opportunities across the country.
The government has launched eight pilot franchise post offices with private sector participation as part of its efforts to modernize postal services and expand citizen access to delivery and logistics services across Bangladesh.
The new initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday (July 29) at the Department of Posts headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, by Fakir Mahbub Anam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Among those present at the event were Telecommunications Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi and Director General of the Department of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam.
Under the pilot programme, franchise post offices have been launched at Dhaka GPO, Sadarghat, Dilkusha, Shantinagar, Bandarban, Kuakata Sub-Post Office, Shalna in Sunamganj, Baneshwar, Ishwardi, Bagha, and Rajshahi GPO. These service centres have started providing parcel delivery, e-commerce product collection, and other approved logistics services.
The operational framework of the franchise model was presented by Additional Director General Zakir Hasan Anu, who outlined its service structure and future expansion plans.
Speaking as the chief guest, Fakir Mahbub Anam said the franchise post office model is not a new concept and has been operating successfully in many countries for years. He said the initiative aims to bring postal services closer to people's doorsteps while improving service quality and accessibility.
The adviser emphasized the need for extensive public awareness campaigns so that both citizens and entrepreneurs become familiar with the opportunities offered by franchise post offices. He expressed hope that, in phases, all post offices across the country could eventually be operated under the franchise model.
According to him, the initiative will not only expand public service delivery but also create new business opportunities and generate employment throughout the country.
Congratulating the newly appointed franchise operators, he assured them that the Department of Posts would provide all necessary support to ensure the successful operation of the programme.
Following the inauguration ceremony, the adviser also exchanged views with employees of the Engineering Division (ED) of the Department of Posts.
//DBTech/SM/EK//
