Extortion by ferry lessor in Kalapara, holding passengers hostage
Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)
There have been allegations of illegal collection of additional fares by the lessees of the ferry terminals in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali by holding passengers hostage. Although the fare is fixed at 5 taka per person, it is being collected at 10 taka every year. After the evening, the fare is being charged at 20 taka. Even incidents of mistreatment and beating of passengers are taking place. In this, ordinary passengers have practically become hostages.
Such incidents have now become a daily occurrence at several ferry piers, including the Tegachia ferry pier on the Sonatala River in the upazila. However, Kalapara UNO Kausar Hamid said, "The matter is being investigated on an urgent basis. The lessee has been called to the office."
Local sources said that although the fare is fixed at 5 taka per person, it is being charged at 10 taka every year. Every evening, the fare is being charged up to 20 taka. This has angered ordinary passengers.
The source further said that on average, at least 400 passengers cross the Tegachia Kheyaghat every day. If an additional Tk 5 is collected from each passenger, it will amount to about Tk 2,000 daily, Tk 60,000 monthly and at least Tk 720,000 annually.
Ferry passengers complain that the illegal fare collection system that was introduced during the previous Awami League government is still in place. Even after the political change, these irregularities have not stopped. In addition, the people in charge at the ferry pier are often busy playing Ludo and cards. Passengers have to wait until the game is over. After 8 pm, as much as possible is collected from those who are not allowed to use the ferry.
Meanwhile, ferryman and fare collector Rakibul Gazi said, "They have charged 10 taka before, we are also charging 10 taka. There is nothing beyond that."
According to the upazila administration sources, this year, tenders were invited for the lease of a total of 20 fishing piers in Kalapara upazila. Among them, the lease of Tegachia fishing pier has been taken by Md. Harech Gazi's son Md. Delwar Hossain.
Kalapara UNO Md. Kausar Hamid said, "The matter is being investigated on an urgent basis. The lessee has been called to the office. Not only this,
Initiatives have been taken to draw a fixed rate chart for passenger crossing at each ferry terminal.
