No Overcharging Reported During Eid Journey; Some Buses Charging Less: Road Transport Minister

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has stated that discipline is being maintained in passenger transportation at Dhaka’s bus terminals ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, and no complaints of charging above the government-fixed fare have been received.

He said: “In the last seven days, no instance of charging more than the fixed fare has been found. In fact, in some places, passengers are being carried at Tk 20 to 50 less than the fixed fare.”

The minister made these remarks after inspecting the Mohakhali Bus Terminal in the capital this morning (Monday, 16 March).

He said he visited the capital’s bus terminals along with concerned officials to assess the overall Eid journey situation. He observed that passengers are buying tickets and boarding buses in an orderly manner, and buses are departing from terminals on schedule. Law enforcement agencies, BRTA, and volunteers from transport owners’ and workers’ associations are working in coordination to ensure safe journeys for passengers.

Regarding the lower fares in some cases, Sheikh Robiul Alam said: “When passenger numbers are low, transport operators sometimes carry passengers at reduced rates. Even now, in many cases, passengers are being taken at those lower fares. For example, where the fixed fare is Tk 700, previously it was Tk 600, and many are still charging that amount. Some are even charging slightly less than the fixed rate.”

He noted that passenger pressure is likely to increase from the afternoon onwards, as tomorrow is a government holiday. To handle the situation, adequate buses have been kept ready, and a system of phased entry and exit from terminals has been arranged to avoid disruption to traffic on main roads.

Speaking about Mohakhali Bus Terminal, the minister said: “Due to limited space at the terminal, not all buses can park at once. As soon as one bus leaves, another enters—this system is being followed to keep main road traffic normal. Hopefully, within the next two to three days, the situation will be managed even better.”

On fuel supply, he assured: “Adequate fuel has been ensured for public transport, and fuel prices will not be increased. If any transport owner complains about not getting fuel, it will be verified and action taken.”

The minister further said unfit vehicles will not be allowed on roads. Monitoring teams are checking garages as well, and highway police along with all concerned agencies are active. Immediate action will be taken against any specific vehicle if complaints are received.

He added: “In just two to two-and-a-half days, around 1.5 crore people will leave Dhaka, creating significant pressure. Still, the government’s relevant agencies are working in coordination to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid journey.”