Complaint of excessive fare collection during Eid travel by Passenger Welfare Association

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has alleged that excessive fares are being charged in public transport ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. According to the organization, despite promises by transport owners, additional fares are being collected on various routes, forcing low-income people to travel in unsafe conditions.

In a statement sent to the media on Monday, the organization’s Secretary General Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said that although announcements were made not to charge extra fares during Eid, many transport operators are not following the directive in practice.

He said that unable to afford higher fares, a large number of low-income workers, day laborers, and construction workers are forced to travel on train and bus roofs, open trucks, or goods-carrying vehicles. This is increasing the risk of road and rail accidents.

The statement cited the recent accident in Tangail where a rod-laden truck overturned, killing 15 people, as an example. It claimed that many people are forced into risky transport while trying to return home cheaply.

It also mentioned as concerning the deaths of two people due to lightning while traveling on train roofs in Ghorashal, Narsingdi.

The Passenger Welfare Association said that the state has not yet taken effective measures to ensure safe Eid travel for laborers who play an important role in the economy.

The organization called for strict monitoring to stop excess fare collection immediately and for implementation of promises made by transport owners. It also urged passengers to avoid traveling on train roofs, open trucks, or goods vehicles to protect their lives.

The statement further said that during ongoing adverse weather and increased passenger pressure, relevant authorities must take effective steps to stop overloading in road, rail, and water transport to ensure safe journeys.