A government-built luxury guesthouse near the Karnaphuli Tunnel’s Anwara end in Chattogram remains unused despite being constructed at a cost of Tk 450 crore. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority has issued a third tender to lease the facility commercially after two previous international tenders in July and September last year failed to attract suitable bids. Only a few local firms showed interest, but their offers were below the authority’s estimated value.

Officials said the guesthouse is a state asset and the new tender aims to secure maximum revenue. The selected lessee will operate and maintain the property, paying rent in four annual installments. The lessee will have full freedom to set prices for services such as accommodation, dining, travel, conferences, and spa facilities but must seek approval for any structural changes. The guesthouse, built as part of the Karnaphuli Tunnel project, covers about 72 acres and includes a VIP bungalow, 30 additional bungalows, and 48 motel units.

The Bridge Authority expects the lease to help generate revenue for the tunnel project, which has been operating at a loss since its opening in October 2023.