Passengers’ Welfare Body Warns of Street Protests Over 'Illogical' Fare Hikes
The warning was issued in a statement by the organization’s Secretary General, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Chowdhury alleged that transport owner associations, in collusion with certain government officials, are plotting to collect "illogical" fares by sacrificing the interests of ordinary passengers.
The statement highlighted a significant discrepancy between fuel price fluctuations and fare adjustments by comparing current demands to previous trends. Chowdhury pointed out that when diesel prices jumped to Tk 114 in August 2022, bus fares were hiked by 22% and launch fares by 32%. Even though fuel prices later dropped to Tk 100, the government only reduced fares by a negligible 8 paisa, providing no real relief to passengers. Currently, diesel prices have increased to Tk 115 per liter, which is only Tk 1 higher than the 2022 peak, yet bus owners are reportedly pushing for a 64% hike and launch owners are seeking a 42% increase.
The association further claimed that it was intentionally excluded from recent discussions because it consistently presents accurate data and rational demands. Chowdhury described the owners’ stance as "autocratic," noting that while global fuel prices fluctuate, the protection of passenger rights seen in developed and NATO-member nations is entirely absent in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity warned that if the government fails to intervene and allows these predatory hikes to take effect, they will be forced to take to the streets with the general public to demand justice.
