As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, millions of Bangladeshis prepare for their annual journey home. However, this festive season has become synonymous with rampant fare hikes, causing immense financial strain on travellers. The Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh (PWAB) has raised concerns about widespread fare exploitation across all public transport modes, despite government regulations intended to prevent such practices.
Reports indicate that passengers will pay an additional Tk 832.3 crore in illegal fare hikes this year alone. Transport operators, including buses, trains, boats, CNG-run auto rickshaws, and motorcycles, impose extra charges, disregarding official fare structures. The government's monitoring and enforcement efforts have failed to curb these unethical practices, leaving passengers at the mercy of unscrupulous transport providers.
Long-distance travellers are particularly affected. Passengers on buses and minibuses from Dhaka face an additional Tk 300 per trip, collectively amounting to Tk 90 crore in extra charges. Waterway travel, once an affordable option, has also seen fare hikes, with passengers paying an average of Tk 200 extra, leading to Tk 80 crore in undue costs. Within the capital, auto rickshaw and e-rickshaw passengers endure additional fees ranging from Tk 20 to Tk 100 per trip, further exacerbating their financial burden.
Beyond the economic impact, the issue raises serious concerns about passenger safety and dignity. Many low-income travellers resort to riding on train roofs, risking their lives to avoid unaffordable fares. Despite repeated government warnings, this dangerous practice persists due to ineffective enforcement. Additionally, unauthorized fees, ticketless travel through bribery, and exploitation at river ports reflect a broader lack of accountability within the transport sector.
The unchecked fare hikes disproportionately affect the underprivileged, widening social inequalities. Public transportation is a necessity, not a luxury, and should remain accessible to all. Stronger government intervention is imperative to address this exploitation. Stricter enforcement of fare regulations, increased penalties for violators, and transparent oversight mechanisms are essential to protect passengers from financial abuse.
A potential solution is the implementation of digital fare collection systems, reducing reliance on cash transactions and minimizing discretionary fare-setting by operators. This could prevent corruption and ensure compliance with official pricing. Additionally, deploying CCTV cameras at transport hubs and on vehicles would enhance monitoring, making it harder for illegal fare hikes to go unnoticed.
As millions of Bangladeshis travel for Eid, authorities must prioritize passenger welfare. By enforcing regulations, leveraging technology, and ensuring accountability, the cycle of fare exploitation can be broken. The festive season should be a time of joy and reunion, not financial distress and uncertainty.
