Dhaka, Jan. 6 -- Despite significant interest from global lenders, the development of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network in the capital remains largely at a standstill.

With the exception of the operational MRT Line-6, the five other projects have been deferred as the government scrutinises their high costs and navigates complexities with international financiers.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding three MRT lines, but only one of them is operational.

The two others - MRT 1 and MRT 5 North - could not proceed despite completion of the planning stage due to conflicts with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) over tendering.

DMTCL, due to high costs and syndication issues, demands a revision of the tend...