Strict legal action for charging extra fares on waterways : State Minister Rajib Ahsan
Staff Correspondent
State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, MP, warned that strict legal measures will be enforced against any vessel operator found collecting fares higher than the government-fixed rates from passengers.
The State Minister issued the directive during a sudden inspection at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the capital on Tuesday afternoon. During his visit, he evaluated passenger facilities, launch operations, cleanliness, and overall terminal infrastructure.
"Overcharging passengers will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the minister stated, instructing maritime authorities to investigate allegations immediately and hold offenders accountable.
To prevent passenger harassment, State Minister Rajib Ahsan ordered the mandatory display of digital fare charts at prominent locations across Sadarघाट and inside all passenger vessels.
Emphasizing that ensuring safe and comfortable river transport remains a top government priority, the State Minister instructed senior Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) officials to maintain regular inspections of terminals and passenger vessels. Chairman of BIWTA and other senior ministry officials were present during the drive.
