Md. Moniruzzaman:
There is extreme anarchy over charging extra fares in public transport on various routes including Mymensingh, as a result of which ordinary passengers are facing terrible suffering and harassment. Although passengers from Dhaka to Mymensingh usually travel for 320 taka in United Service, 200 taka in Soukhin Paribahan and 150 to 180 taka in other vehicles, currently they are being charged from 300 to 700 taka.
Many passengers, including garment worker Aklima, complained that they have fallen victim to this robbery by the transport sector after coming to see their families and vote for a 4-day holiday despite not receiving their salary. The fare to Muktagachha is usually 250 taka, but it is costing 700 taka by the time they reach the bypass intersection. Nazrul Islam, who came from Gazipur, said that he had to pay 500 taka for a fare of 150 taka. A sick domestic worker, Selina Begum, said that the drivers have charged Tk 600 for a fare of Tk 250. Similarly, the fare of Tk 50 on the internal route of Mymensingh is being charged from Tk 100 to Tk 150. There is intense anger among the voters who came to vote over this unusual fare increase and harassment. Regarding the complaints of the passengers, the driver of ‘Rajib Paribahan’ made excuses and said, “The main business is for two-three days, everyone is charging more, so we are also charging more.” A driver of Imam Paribahan clarified that the fare of Tk 150 is being charged Tk 500 and this will continue for one-two days.
In this regard, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) of Mymensingh District Police, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, said that the police are aware of the issue of charging extra fare and are working on the ground. Drivers have been ordered to return the extra fare to the passengers and strict legal action will be taken if they harass the passengers. The police operation will continue to prevent this anarchy.
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