Hartal called off over reducing bus fare on Dhaka-Narayanganj route, fare fixed at Tk50

Passenger Rights' Protection Forum, a Narayanganj-based organisation, which had been protesting for reducing the bus fare on the Dhaka-Narayanganj route, has called off their plans of a half-day hartal tomorrow (17 November).

Speaking at a press conference today (16 November), Deputy Commissioner Mahmudul Haque said the organisation called the hartal to press forth their demand for reducing the non-AC bus fare to Tk45 from Tk55.

"However, following discussions with the district administration, the hartal has been called off after the bus fare was fixed at Tk50," he said.

The commissioner said exams in two major educational institutions in the city to be held tomorrow had been postponed.

He further said, "Our committee found that a bus travelling on the Dhaka-Narayanganj route covers a distance of 39.8 kilometres. Additionally, buses have to pay a toll at the Mayor Hanif Flyover.

"Considering the current price of diesel, toll, passenger services, and the [organisation's] demands, we fixed the fare for non-AC buses at Tk50, AC buses at Tk70, and half-fare for up to five students onboard a non-AC bus," he added.

Following the announcement, the forum's convener Rafir Rabby at a another press conference today, said, "In response to our demands, the bus fare has been reduced. As the authorities have also assured us of half-fare for students, we have decided to postpone the hartal in public interest.

"If the administration fails to keep its word, we will resume our protest, if necessary."

On 26 October, the forum held a press conference demanding a reduction in bus fares. They also announced a series of programmes alongside a half-day hartal on 17 November if their demands were not met.