Rajshahi: Following allegations of overcharging passengers traveling by boats on the Padma River adjacent to Rajshahi city, Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Mahfuzur Rahman Riton instructed that the matter be investigated on-site and necessary actions be taken. Accordingly, on Sunday, RCC Secretary Sohel Rana visited the Amirpur Ferry Ghat and Bishpur Ferry Ghat areas here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the visit, Sohel Rana inspected the areas under the ferry ghats and spoke with leaseholders, local residents, and other concerned individuals. He warned the leaseholders that strict action would be taken if any additional money is collected beyond the fixed toll rates. He also instructed that toll charts be displayed promptly, as none were found at the ferry ghats.
In this regard, Secretary Sohel Rana stated that the two ferry ghats leased out by the RCC were inspected. Detailed inquiries were conducted to determine whether any extra fees had been collected by the leaseholders. It was found that residents from Char Majhardia, Khanpur, and other riverine areas pay the toll to cross the river. No evidence of overcharging by the leaseholders was found during the on-site inspection.
He further added that some privately owned boats operate on the Padma River, offering rides to travelers. These privately owned boats are not under the lease or jurisdiction of the City Corporation. Ahead of Eid, complaints were received about overcharging passengers by some privately owned boats at Srirampur Tourist Ghat.
In response, the inspection was carried out. Boat owners have been warned that action will be taken if such allegations arise in the future. To ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, the RCC will inform the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to bring privately owned boats under proper regulation.
During the inspection, RCC Asset Officer Abu Noor Md. Matiur Rahman, along with other concerned officials, was present.