Transporters trying to impose unilateral fare hikes: BJKS

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS) on Monday accused transport owners of attempting to impose unilateral fare hikes on buses and launches, bypassing passengers and violating consumer rights.

At a press conference, held at Dhaka Reporters Unity, BJKS Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said fare adjustment linked to fuel price change may be justified, but the owners are fixing fares without transparency or public consultation.

He noted that a recent increase in fuel prices by Tk 15 per litre should result in a maximum fare hike of Tk 0.15 per kilometre, warning that any higher adjustment would be unjustified.

Mr Chowdhury said, "If the increase exceeds this level, the association will be compelled to launch strict protests." He also urged the Prime Minister and the Minister for Road Transport to intervene.

BJKS claimed that the passengers, who bear the burden of increased fares, are excluded from the decision-making process.