Staff Reporter:
The government has announced that launch fares will not be increased during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, warning that strict action will be taken against operators carrying excess passengers.
Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam made the announcement on Thursday while responding to questions from reporters after a preparatory meeting at the Secretariat aimed at ensuring safe and smooth Eid travel by waterways.
The meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Shipping. State Minister for Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Habibur Rashid and State Minister for Road Transport Md Rajib Ahsan were also present.
The minister said that under no circumstances would fares be allowed to increase during Eid, nor would operators be permitted to carry additional passengers beyond capacity.
“We have discussed the matter with launch owners, and they have pledged not to raise fares,” he said.
He added that mobile courts will remain active round the clock to monitor compliance, and immediate action will be taken against any violations.
The minister informed that 26 decisions were adopted at the meeting to ensure a smooth Eid journey.
He noted that last year’s Eid travel was relatively comfortable and that authorities are aiming for even better management this time.
To ease congestion, he said the city corporation and traffic police will work to prevent traffic jams from Gulistan to Sadarghat. Illegal parking and makeshift footpath shops will be removed. Authorities will not tolerate any harassment of passengers or extortion at the Sadarghat terminal, and measures will be taken to prevent unauthorised gatherings and hawkers.
Launch services will depart on schedule, the minister said, adding that the Coast Guard and River Police will remain active to ensure safety on waterways.
He further announced that bulkhead movement will remain suspended for five days before and after Eid to avoid disruption to passenger vessels.
Expressing optimism, Rabiul said this year’s Eid travel would be better than ever before, allowing passengers to return home in comfort.
