The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The government postal services are gradually losing market to the ready-to-serve private sector courier services.

As per existing laws, it is totally illegal for any authority other than the government's post offices to receive letters for delivery although there is no such restriction in respect of parcels and documents.

If any private institution receives letters for delivery, it has to pay Tk 500 in fine per letter, according to laws.

Ruhul Amin Chisty, Chairman of Continental Courier Service, said it is not legal to receive and deliver any letter under private commercial initiative.

But courier services can receive and deliver any kind of documents.

"But we have nothing to do when someone gives letter without notice as we cannot open it," Ruhul Amin said.

Bangladesh Post Office (BPO) Director General Mobasherur Rahman admitted that the government's postal services are gradually losing its charm.

Despite a huge potential, the popularity and quality of the government's postal services are struggling to stay afloat due to lack of manpower and adequate equipment, he said.

He said the government is planning to bring private courier services under legal framework and strict monitoring.