Published : 21 Sep 2026, 09:08 PM
Updated : 21 Sep 2026, 09:08 PM
Bus passengers are facing sudden fare hikes across Dhaka and on long-distance routes, before any official decision on raising fares following the fuel price increase.
The higher charges triggered arguments throughout the day between passengers and drivers, helpers and long-distance bus counter staff.
Passengers said buses on different Dhaka routes were charging Tk 5 to Tk 20 above fixed fares, while long-distance passengers were being charged Tk 100 more.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association met the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) on Monday afternoon to discuss fares.
After the meeting, association General Secretary ASM Ahmed Khokon told bdnews24.com: “Our clear position is that until the government raises fares, we are telling everyone not to charge extra. BRTA can take necessary action on this.”
Asked about the meeting’s decision, he said: “A few days ago, we proposed increasing bus fares by one paisa per taka. Accordingly, in Dhaka and Chattogram cities, the fare would rise by two or three paisa from Tk 2.53 per kilometre. For long-distance and inter-district buses, it would rise by two paisa from Tk 2.23 per kilometre.”
He said BRTA officials had taken the proposal to the Secretariat after the meeting and “a decision may come tonight”.
Complaints of higher fares emerged from Monday afternoon. On the Mohakhali-Bijoy Sarani route, Baishakhi and Bhuiyan Paribahan were charging Tk 15 instead of Tk 10.
Baishakhi helper Rafique Mia said, “I just filled up with fuel. The same amount now costs Tk 1,500 more. Who will pay this subsidy? Then get off and let us shut the buses.”
A passenger replied, “Why raise fares before the government fixes them? You have made profits all these days; make a little less profit for one day.”
Gazipur Paribahan passenger Ahnaf Mia said his Airport fare had risen from Tk 60 to Tk 80.
At Gabtoli terminal, long-distance buses were charging Tk 80 to Tk 100 extra, on both AC and non-AC services.
Isha Moni, a private university student travelling to Rangpur, said Arin Paribahan had raised its fare from Tk 800 to Tk 900.
Arin counter staff Mansur Ali said, “We have to buy fuel at a higher price. If we don’t charge more, should we shut down the vehicle? At the old fare, we would lose Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500 per trip.”
