Anarchy with public transport fares

Hiking fares of public transports illogically is not a new reality in Bangladesh. Due to the rise in fuel prices, a transport fare increase has already been put into effect. Passengers now have to pay 26.5 per cent and 27 per cent more respectively for intra-city and inter-district buses. But the bus companies are paying no heed to the government guideline and asking double the money from passengers. Sometimes they forcibly take the money. What is further unacceptable is that the CNG-run buses are also collecting fares at the new rates, which are not applicable to them.

Before increasing fuel prices, the authorities concerned could have thought a little more over adjusting the domestic price of fuels by reducing the tax or import duty. In addition, the decision to increase transport fares does not look like a rational one as it has been done by the pressure of bus owners. The authorities little cared about the people who board on these vehicles and their financial capacity. If the anarchy in the transport sector is not handled properly, it will have a number of negative impacts on common people's life.

Wares Ali Khan,

Sadar, Rangpur,

[email protected]