Saifullah Nasir, Amtali (Barguna):

Long-distance buses operating on the Amtali-Kuakata-Dhaka, Patuakhali and Barishal highways are allegedly being used to transport fish, dried fish, ice and other commercial goods in violation of road transport regulations, causing immense suffering to passengers.

The practice is also raising safety concerns as buses reportedly stop at different points along the highways to load and unload goods, disrupting traffic and increasing the risk of accidents.

Passengers and locals say the problem has persisted for a long time, particularly on buses travelling from Kuakata to Dhaka and other parts of the country. They allege that repeated stops to load and unload fish and other goods significantly extend journey times.

A journey that should normally take around five hours can sometimes take 10 to 12 hours, they said.

Foul smell inside buses

Passengers complain that the transportation of fish and ice inside buses creates a strong and unpleasant smell throughout the vehicle.

Many passengers reportedly experience nausea, breathing discomfort and other physical distress during long journeys. Children, elderly people and sick passengers are said to suffer the most.

Passengers also allege that dirty water and blood leaking from fish stored on bus roofs or in other areas sometimes fall onto their bags, clothes and other belongings, causing damage.

Risk of accidents rises as buses stop randomly

Locals say buses often stop at different points on highways rather than designated terminals or safe locations to load and unload fish and other goods.

Such stops obstruct normal traffic movement and increase the risk of collisions, particularly with vehicles approaching from behind.

Passengers also complain that lengthy loading and unloading operations prevent buses from reaching their destinations on schedule. As a result, people travelling for work, business, medical treatment or to catch connecting transport often face additional difficulties.

Concerns over impact on tourism

Kuakata is one of Bangladesh’s important tourist destinations, while the southern region is home to several other attractions, including Payra Port, the thermal power plant, Katka, Lal Kakrar Char, Fatrar Char and the Mishripara Buddhist temple.

Tourists returning from these destinations have also reportedly faced such difficulties during their journeys.

According to some tourists, long-distance travel becomes particularly unpleasant when passengers have to endure foul smells, an unhygienic environment and prolonged delays. They fear that such experiences could create a negative impression of Kuakata and the wider southern region among visitors.

Allegation of ‘beat money’

A bus driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that some buses operating on different routes regularly pay what is locally known as “beat money” to certain officials or agencies in different areas.

According to him, such payments may be one reason why buses can transport fish and other commercial goods openly without facing effective enforcement.

However, the allegation could not be independently verified. The views of the relevant authorities were also not available.

What does the law say?

Existing road transport laws and regulations place restrictions on the use of passenger buses for commercial transportation beyond their designated purpose. The transportation of perishable goods in a manner that creates an unhygienic, foul-smelling or hazardous environment for passengers also raises legal and regulatory concerns.

If the allegations are established, the driver, owner or operator concerned may face action under the applicable laws, including fines, cases or other administrative measures, depending on the circumstances.

Calls for effective monitoring

Passengers and local residents have called for regular drives to prevent the alleged illegal transportation of fish and other commercial goods on passenger buses.

They also urged the authorities to stop buses from making unscheduled stops on highways to load and unload goods.

They said ensuring safe and timely travel for passengers, while providing a comfortable transportation system for tourists, is essential for the development of the region’s tourism and communication networks.

Unless the practice is brought under effective control, continued passenger suffering could adversely affect both transportation and tourism in the southern region, they warned.