Highlights
- No evidence of extra bus fare during Eid travel in the last seven days.
- In some cases, buses are charging Tk 20–50 less than the official fare.
- Authorities expect passenger pressure to increase later today and tomorrow.
- Around 15 million people may leave Dhaka within two to two and a half days for Eid.
Sheikh Robiul Alam, the Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister, said that no complaints of extra bus fare have been reported during the ongoing Eid travel period.
He made the remarks on Monday (16 March) after visiting the Mohakhali Bus Terminal in Dhaka to observe the situation of passenger transport ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Some Transport Operators Charging Less
The minister said that in the past seven days no incidents of overcharging were found. Instead, in some cases transport operators are taking Tk 20 to Tk 50 less than the fixed fare. He said,
“অনেক সময় যাত্রী কম থাকলে পরিবহনগুলো নির্ধারিত ভাড়ার চেয়ে কমে যাত্রী নিত। এখনো অনেক ক্ষেত্রে সেই কম ভাড়াতেই যাত্রী নেওয়া হচ্ছে। যেমন কোথাও নির্ধারিত ভাড়া ৭০০ টাকা হলেও আগে ৬০০ টাকায় যাত্রী নেওয়া হতো, এখনো অনেকে সেই ভাড়াতেই যাত্রী নিচ্ছেন। কেউ কেউ আবার নির্ধারিত ভাড়ার চেয়ে সামান্য কম নিয়েও যাত্রী পরিবহন করছেন।”
Translation: “Regarding the lower fares, Sheikh Robiul Alam said that when passenger numbers are low, transport operators sometimes take passengers at a fare lower than the official rate. In many cases this practice is still continuing. For example, if the official fare is Tk 700, some buses used to take passengers for Tk 600, and many are still charging the same amount. Some transport operators are even carrying passengers at slightly lower than the fixed fare.”
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Passenger Pressure Expected to Increase
The minister warned that passenger pressure could increase later in the afternoon or evening, especially because Tuesday will be a government holiday. To manage the situation, authorities have prepared enough buses and arranged for vehicles to enter and leave terminals in phases, so that traffic on the main roads is not disrupted.
Special Management at Mohakhali Terminal
Speaking about the Mohakhali Bus Terminal, the minister said the space inside the terminal is limited, so all buses cannot park there at the same time. Instead, the system allows one bus to enter after another leaves, helping maintain smooth traffic flow on nearby roads. He expressed hope that the situation will be handled more smoothly within the next two to three days.
Fuel Supply and Safety Monitoring
The minister also assured that sufficient fuel has been arranged for public transport, and there are no plans to increase fuel prices. He added that unfit vehicles will not be allowed on the roads, and monitoring teams are inspecting garages while the highway police and other agencies remain active. Immediate action will be taken if any complaint is received.
Millions Expected to Leave Dhaka
According to the minister, about 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to two and a half days, creating heavy pressure on transport systems. Despite the challenges, the government and relevant agencies are working together to ensure safe and comfortable Eid travel for passengers.
Source: Ajker Patrika
