Dhaka, Apr 24 (V7N) — The government has announced a fresh increase in bus fares in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas following the recent rise in diesel prices to Tk 115 per litre.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges issued the notification on Thursday, making the new fare structure effective immediately.

New fare rates

According to the revised chart:

  • Dhaka & Chattogram city buses: Tk 2.53 per km (previously Tk 2.42)

  • Long-distance 52-seater buses: Tk 2.23 per km

  • Dhaka district routes (Narayanganj, Gazipur, etc.): Tk 2.43 per km

  • Minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk 10 (bus) and Tk 8 (minibus)

Comparison with previous years

Officials noted that:

  • In 2022, diesel price rose sharply from Tk 80 to Tk 114 per litre

  • Bus fare was then raised to Tk 2.50 per km

  • Later reductions in fuel prices led to a slight fare cut

  • Current fare adjustments reflect the latest fuel price hike and operational costs

Although diesel is now slightly higher than 2022 levels, transport authorities say overall costs have increased due to inflation, maintenance, and spare parts.

Government stance

Road Transport Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the fare was fixed based on a recommendation from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), which suggested a higher increase, but the government approved a smaller rise.

He warned that strict action will be taken if transport operators do not follow the new rates.

Industry concerns

Transport owners argue that rising costs of imported parts, maintenance, and fuel justify the increase. They also claim that informal payments and operational expenses significantly raise real costs.

Experts, however, have questioned some of the cost assumptions used in fare calculations, noting inconsistencies in maintenance and repair estimates.

Outlook

The new fare revision comes amid ongoing debates over transport sector regulation, fuel pricing, and passenger affordability in Bangladesh’s major cities.

END/SMA/AJ