Highlights
- Extra fare chaos during Eid travel may break a 20-year record
- Around 87% of buses accused of charging higher fares
- Passengers may pay Tk 148 crore extra in total
- Long-distance passengers paying Tk 350 more per ticket on average
- Reports of forced ticket upgrades and widespread harassment
Record-Breaking Fare Chaos Expected This Eid
The chaos of charging extra fares during Eid travel this year is likely to break records of the past 20 years, according to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity. The organization shared this information in a report sent to the media on Wednesday (18 March). The report is based on a short survey monitoring fare irregularities and passenger harassment during Eid travel.
Allegations of Widespread Overcharging
The Secretary General of the organization, Md. Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, said:
“সরকারি ঘোষণা বৃদ্ধাঙ্গুলি দেখিয়ে বিভিন্ন শ্রেণির বাস-মিনিবাসে ঈদযাত্রায় অতিরিক্ত ভাড়া আদায়ের নৈরাজ্য চলছে।”
Translation: Ignoring government instructions, buses and minibuses are charging extra fares during Eid travel.
He also added:
“বুধবার থেকে রাজধানীসহ দেশের বিভিন্ন নগরীর সিটিবাসেও অতিরিক্ত ভাড়া আদায়ের নৈরাজ্য শুরু হয়েছে।”
Translation: From Wednesday, city buses in Dhaka and other cities have also started charging extra fares.
He further claimed that although such irregularities are visible, the government often denies these allegations.
Huge Number of Passengers Expected
According to the organization:
- Around 40 lakh trips may occur on inter-district and long-distance buses
- Around 60 lakh trips may take place on city buses
The report is based on observations made between 14 March and 18 March, including:
- Passenger movement
- Advance ticket sales
- Government monitoring activities
- Transport owners’ and workers’ preparations
87% of Buses Charging Extra Fare: The report claims that 87% of buses and mini Buses Overcharge.
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Examples of Increased Fares:
- Dhaka to Pabna: Tk 550–600 ➝ Tk 1200
- Dhaka to Natore: Tk 550–580 ➝ Tk 1200
- Dhaka to Rangpur: Tk 500 ➝ Tk 1500
- Dhaka to Noakhali: Tk 500 ➝ Tk 800
- Dhaka to Lakshmipur: Tk 500 ➝ Tk 700
- Dhaka to Ramganj: Tk 350 ➝ Tk 800
- Dhaka to Mymensingh (local): Tk 250 ➝ Tk 600
- Dhaka to Khulna: Tk 500 ➝ Tk 800
- Chattogram to Lakshmipur: Tk 400 ➝ Tk 800
- Chattogram to Bhola: Tk 450 ➝ Tk 900
In some cases, passengers are even paying Tk 500 per person in trucks and pickups.
Passengers Forced to Buy Costlier Tickets
The report found that many passengers are being forced to buy tickets for farther destinations.
For example:
- Passengers going to Chattogram are being forced to buy tickets to Satkania, Chakaria, or Bandarban
- Passengers going to Bogura are forced to buy tickets to Rangpur or Naogaon
This is being done as an excuse that tickets for the actual destination are unavailable.
Unfair Practices by Transport Owners
The report also highlights:
- Same fare being charged for different types of buses (40-seat vs 52-seat)
- No difference in fare between CNG-run and diesel buses
- Drivers and helpers reportedly do not receive salaries or Eid bonuses, despite these being included in fare calculations
Why Are Fares Increasing?
The organization identified several reasons:
- Rising cost of goods
- Increased extortion during Eid travel
- Higher operational costs for transport companies
- Collection of Eid bonuses from passengers
- Extra profit motives by transport owners
They also pointed out that no passenger representatives are included in monitoring teams, which makes it harder to protect passenger rights.
Passengers Paying Tk 148 Crore Extra
According to the estimates:
Long-distance passengers (40 lakh trips):
- 87% paying Tk 350 extra
- Total extra: Tk 121.8 crore
City bus passengers (60 lakh trips):
- 87% paying Tk 50 extra
- Total extra: Tk 26.1 crore
Total extra fare: almost Tk 148 crore
Recommendations to Stop Fare Chaos
To control this situation, the organization suggested:
- Introducing digital payment systems for fares
- Stopping cash transactions
- Installing CCTV cameras on roads and highways
- Ensuring strict enforcement of laws
As Eid approaches, fare chaos is increasing day by day, putting heavy financial pressure on millions of passengers. Without strong monitoring and proper action, this situation may become the worst in decades.
Source: TDC
