Banskhali's main road is plagued by heavy traffic and rampant fare anarchy. On one side, severe traffic jams persist, while on the other, passengers face exploitation by bus operators who charge arbitrary fares. This chaotic situation is the daily reality for Banshkhali's common passengers. Let me explain further.
The true nature of the drivers is most apparent on Thursdays. Number of passengers from Chittagong city increases on Thursdays, as Friday is a weekend holiday. Seizing this opportunity, some drivers arbitrarily raise fares. For example, where the fare from the Natun Bridge to Banskhali is 120 taka, they demand up to 200 taka. Passengers have no choice but to pay these inflated fares. Why is this extortion? Why is this cutthroat system? Is there no one to monitor and check this anarchy?
During Eid, the situation worsens. Passengers feel helpless and accept this unfair system because they need to get home. Even though this anarchic situation has been going on for a long time, no public representatives or administrative bodies took any action. Even when passengers complain, their grievances go unheard, as the owners' association seems untouchable.
The harassment has reached an extreme level over the years, yet no conscious group monitors the situation. The upazila administration remains silent. Consequently, passengers face misbehaviour from bus drivers and helpers. Irregularities abound on the road including the absence of punctuality, overcrowding, overcharging, indiscriminate parking, cramped interior, incompetent drivers, and buses without fitness certificates.
Due to insufficient traffic police, the road constantly suffers from traffic jams. How long will this continue? Are we forever under the control of the syndicate, or can we break free from it? The common passengers want to get rid of this exploitation. We demand an end to fare anarchy, passenger harassment, and traffic congestion. The people of Banshkhali want implementation of fair fare lists and the installation of traffic police to alleviate congestion.
Touhid-Ul Bari
Student and columnist
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
