Sangsad Bhaban: Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan urged private entrepreneurs to go for launching more waterbuses on the country’s water routes to bypass traffic tailbacks in the overcrowded capital and other major cities.

“The government would reduce tax and VAT on such ventures,” the minister said during the question hour in parliament Monday, as piloting with the alternative transport under government initiative proved effective.

Shahjahan Khan informed the House that the government has invited tender for four more waterbuses.

“Private entrepreneurs would be inspired in investing in the sector if VAT and taxes are reduced,” the minister said, drawing the Finance Minister’s attention.

He made the statement in reply to a starred supplementary question from Abdur Rahman.

On August 28, two waterbuses were launched on the Gabtali-Sadarghat route that provided people with alternative transport associated with an air of diversions.

BDST: 1800 HRS, SEPT 20, 2010