DHAKA, May 31,2020 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government has fixed bus fares at rational rates amid the ongoing
coronavirus crisis, minimising the proposed fares of Bangladesh Road
Transportation Authority (BRTA).
“The ministry has fixed bus fares atrational rates amid the coronavirus crisis, minimising the proposed fares of BRTA. A gazette notification will be issued today to this end,” he said.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said this while talking to the
officials of the Road Transport and Highways Division through
videoconferencing from his official residence here.
He sought cooperation of the bus owners’ and workers’ associations in
enforcing the newly fixed bus fares and maintaining health guidelines in
public transportations.
The road transport minister said adjusting bus fares with an 80 percent hike
will create extra burden on the country’s people.
“The government must consider the passengers’ interest and it has to provide
support to the transport sector too,” he added. At this crisis moment, he
said, considering the financial capacity of the people, the government has
adjusted the bus fares bringing it to a rational level and minimising the
proposed bus fares.
Highlighting the government-set conditions in plying vehicles amid COVID-19
crisis, Quader said 50 percent seats of a bus must remain vacant. He urged
all the passengers, bus drivers, helpers and counter workers to follow the
health guidelines and use masks.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the Annual Development Programme
(ADP) implementation of the Roads and Highways Department and asked the
officials concerned to complete the works of the ongoing projects speedily.
He instructed the project chiefs to ensure guidelines for project workers
and pay their salaries and arrears.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Md Nazrul Islam and senior
officials of the division were present.