Md. Masud Rana, Ramgarh (Khagrachari) 

The incident of collecting additional fares from CNG transport passengers plying on the Ramgarh - Babaiyarhat regional road in Khagrachari has gradually become worrisome. Common passengers have been suffering due to the allegations of being charged more than the prescribed fare. In this situation, the victims have demanded effective remedies and monitoring at the local level.

On  Friday (March 27) afternoon, when I went to the Ramgarh Bazar CNG station area, I saw that additional money was being collected by ignoring the prescribed fare of CNG transport. Instead of the prescribed fare of 110 taka, 150 to 200 taka is being charged.

The victimized passenger Karim said, I myself also waited for two hours and went to Baraiyarhat by Mahindra transport. The fare of Mahindra and the bus is fine. Although there has been a kind of irregularity for a long time, no effective action is being taken. The common people have to pay extra expenses every day, which is creating a lot of pressure on the lower and middle class.

CNG transport drivers have informed that on the occasion of Eid, we have taken an additional 10/20 taka, but currently the fixed fare is being charged. The fare of 150/200 taka is not being charged from any passenger.

The lineman of the Ramgarh CNG Owners' Association said that no fare has been officially increased and there is no permission to charge extra money beyond the fixed fare. If we charge extra fare, we are ready to take strict action against the driver subject to appropriate evidence.

In this regard, Ramgarh Upazila Executive Officer Kazi Shamim said that we have received specific complaints regarding the collection of extra fare and necessary action will be taken after investigation. Necessary measures have been taken for fare monitoring.

Ramgarh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Nazir Alam said that I have heard about the practice of charging extra fare from CNG transport passengers. I have come to the market and am monitoring it myself and have instructed the Sinji drivers not to charge additional fares to the passengers for the fixed fare.

Meanwhile, conscious circles believe that strict monitoring and effective initiatives by the relevant authorities, along with the local administration, are necessary to solve this problem. Otherwise, the suffering of the common people will increase further.