News Flash
DHAKA, March 18, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam today said public transport is operating with government-fixed fares ahead of Eid and passengers are traveling smoothly.
The minister made the remarks while talking to the journalists after inspecting Gabtoli Bus Terminal in the capital.
He said that transport operators are generally charging the fixed fares and in some cases a few services are even taking Taka 20 to 30 less than the approved fare, providing relief to the passengers.
To ensure smooth passenger services, police control rooms, vigilance teams and RAB control rooms have been set up at major terminals, including Gabtoli, he said adding that fare charts have also been displayed so that passengers can verify the official rates.
If any transport operator charges extra fare, passengers can immediately file complaints at the control rooms and seek assistance from the law enforcement agencies, he added.
“So far, we have not received significant complaints. Buses are departing according to schedule and passengers are not facing harassment,” the minister added.
Responding to a question about fuel supply during the Eid, Alam said sufficient fuel has been ensured for public transport since 11:00 pm on March 15. “There is no shortage of fuel anywhere. However, if anyone faces problems, they can inform helpline 16107 or the police control room,” he said.
He also noted that around 32,000 more vehicles than usual crossed the Jamuna Bridge yesterday, indicating increased pressure from Eid travelers.
Regarding illegal bus counters, the minister said there would be no scope to open counters indiscriminately and action would be taken after Eid by setting a specific timeframe for removal of unauthorized facilities.
He urged the bus owners to operate counters only at designated locations.
On allegations of overcharging in local transport services in Dhaka, he said authorities are taking immediate action whenever specific information is received. “Yesterday, a transport operator was fined Taka 10,000 for charging Tk 100 extra fare at Nabinagar and Baipayl areas. Measures were also taken against several transport services in Chittagong Road area,” he said.
After the inspection, the minister visited the Gabtoli bus depot of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and inaugurated the BRTC Eid Special Service 2026.” He later inspected the ongoing construction work of the Ashulia Elevated Expressway.
Senior government officials including State Minister Habibur Rashid, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas MP, Bridge Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, along with leaders of transport owners’ and workers’ organizations were present during the visit.
