By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Aug 12, 2025 (BSS) - Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) earned Taka 77.71 crore in revenue from various sources during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Confirming the information, RCC Chief Revenue Officer Abu Saleh Muhammad Nur-E-Sayeed said Taka 65.11 crore came from holdings, land registration, trade licences, leasing of markets, boat ghats, public toilets, parks and other installations.

Another Taka 1.72 crore was collected as fees from different commercial activities, while Taka 6.97 crore came as rent and profit from leasing out Rajshahi Central Botanical Garden and Zoo, Shaheed Zia Shishu Park, Chhoto Bangram Shishu Park and from renting commercial spaces.

He said Taka 2.54 crore was collected from other enlisted income sources, including renting mechanical vehicles and equipment.

According to him, revenue earnings have almost doubled compared to the previous administration. He attributed this to breaking syndicates and restoring discipline in revenue-generating facilities, which increased income within the first six months of the current fiscal year. 

Nur-E-Sayeed said political interference and illegal syndicates have been largely removed, enabling all eligible contractors to take part in tenders for ghats and markets without hindrance.

This year, for the first time, RCC earned Tk 1 crore from Shaheed Zia Shishu Park by leasing it out through a three-year tender, compared to Taka 17 lakh annually in the past.

Similarly, Taka 13 crore was earned from the city's animal markets this year, up from Taka 3.62 crore last year.

In 2024, the city corporation earned Taka 7 crore from leasing ghats, markets, public toilets, parking stands and ponds. That figure has risen to Tk 18 crore in the current Bengali year.

RCC Chief Executive Officer Rezaul Karim said they have ensured a transparent and fair procurement process, encouraging contractors to participate spontaneously.

"We have started getting better results in revenue collection through ensuring transparency and accountability. We are focusing on increasing income from both conventional and non-conventional sectors," he added.