Staff Reporter:

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam warned that the route permits of buses charging higher fares than the government-fixed rate will be cancelled.

The government increased bus fares by 17 poisha per kilometre across the country in response to the recent hike in fuel prices.

Speaking to reporters, the minister stated that the official gazette notification would be issued on Tuesday, making the revised fares effective immediately.

He revealed that while transport owners demanded an increase of 20 poisha per kilometre citing rising operational and maintenance costs, the ministry successfully negotiated the hike down to 17 poisha following lengthy discussions.

Acknowledging that any fare increase imposes a burden on commuters, the minister emphasized that the government was able to determine a logical rate considering the global energy scenario and economic realities.

He strictly warned that any transport company found overcharging passengers beyond the newly prescribed rate would face immediate cancellation of their route permits.

Addressing other public transport sectors, Sheikh Rabiul Alam noted that the government is not currently considering a railway fare hike, though a meeting scheduled for Thursday will decide on launch fares.