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The government has launched eight franchise post offices as a pilot project to make postal services more modern, accessible and people-friendly through the participation of private entrepreneurs.
The new service centres have started providing parcel delivery, e-commerce product collection and transportation services for other approved items, aiming to expand the reach of postal and logistics facilities across the country.
Postal, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam inaugurated the programme on Wednesday at the Dak Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Telecommunications Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Director General of the Department of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam and other senior officials attended the inauguration ceremony.
Under the pilot initiative, franchise post office services have been introduced at Dhaka’s GPO, Sadarghat, Dilkusha and Shantinagar areas, as well as at several locations outside the capital, including Bandarban, Kuakata Sub-Post Office, Shalna in Sunamganj, Baneshwar, Ishwardi, Bagha and Rajshahi GPO.
Customers will be able to receive various postal and logistics services from these centres, including parcel collection, e-commerce product handling and transportation facilities.
During the event, Additional Director General of the Department of Posts Zakir Hasan Anu highlighted different aspects of the franchise post office model and its potential benefits.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said the franchise post office system is not a new concept, as it has been successfully operated in many countries around the world for years.
He said the initiative would help bring postal services closer to people’s doorsteps in Bangladesh.
The minister stressed the need for extensive publicity about the benefits of franchise post offices among both citizens and entrepreneurs so that more private businesses become involved in the programme.
He expressed hope that, gradually, opportunities would be created to operate all post offices across the country under the franchise model. According to him, the initiative would expand public services while creating new employment and business opportunities.
Congratulating the newly appointed franchise entrepreneurs, the minister assured them that the postal department would provide all necessary support to resolve any operational challenges.
He also said the government would work to ensure the success of the new model by improving coordination between entrepreneurs and postal authorities.
After the inauguration, the minister held a discussion with employees of the Engineering Division of the Department of Posts. He assured them that steps would be taken to explore ways to improve their living standards and overall welfare.
The government expects the franchise post office initiative to play a key role in transforming Bangladesh’s traditional postal network into a more efficient and customer-focused service system.