Dhaka: Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman announced on Tuesday that transport fares will be adjusted in accordance with the recent surge in fuel prices. This decision was revealed during a press briefing at the Press Information Department conference room in the Secretariat, where State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury was also present.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr Zahed emphasized the need for reasonable fare adjustments amidst the rising fuel costs. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing to ensure that the fares are set at a fair level. To simplify the fare structure, especially for air-conditioned buses, the government is considering implementing a tiered pricing system, which is expected to be in place before the upcoming Eid celebrations.
Dr Zahed highlighted that freight charges, particularly for trucks, would significantly impact the overall cost of living more than bus fares. He stated that the government's role extends beyond merely protecting consumers, as it also represents business owners, including those in the transportation industry. The goal is to achieve a balance that minimizes harm to all stakeholders, acknowledging that some level of loss is inevitable in the current global economic climate.
He provided an example of how even minor price increases in essential goods like eggs could heavily impact low-income families, leading to difficult decisions. To mitigate such effects, the government plans to expand assistance programs and include more people through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Additionally, Dr Zahed announced a project to launch eight night markets in Dhaka to relocate street vendors, thereby freeing up footpaths for pedestrians. He emphasized the need for footpaths to be used for walking and not as business spaces, while also recognizing the need to provide alternative arrangements for hawkers.
Furthermore, the adviser shared updates on the 'Fuel Pass BD' app, stating that its pilot expansion now covers several districts beyond Dhaka for motorcycle registration. Although fuel collection is not yet universally available, registered users can obtain fuel from designated stations in Dhaka, with over 170,000 registrations completed to date.