For millions preparing to return home this Eid, the journey is coming at a steep and painful cost.
The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has alleged that widespread overcharging by bus operators is forcing passengers to pay an additional Tk 148 crore during the Eid-ul-Fitr travel rush – turning what should be a joyful homecoming into a financial strain. The findings contradict the claims of Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam.
In a statement on Wednesday, the association secretary general, Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, described the situation as “fare anarchy”, warning that the scale of excess charges this year could surpass anything seen in the past two decades.
A massive hidden cost
According to the organisation’s estimates, around 40 lakh passengers will travel on long-distance and inter-district buses during Eid. Of them, nearly 87 per cent are being forced to pay an average of Tk 350 extra per ticket.
This alone translates into more than Tk 121 crore in additional costs.
On top of that, another 6 million passenger trips are expected on city bus services, where similar overcharging is taking place. Here too, around 87 per cent of passengers are likely to pay inflated fares, adding roughly Tk 26 crore more.
Combined, the additional financial burden on passengers is projected to reach Tk 148 crore – an amount that reflects not just higher fares, but a systemic breakdown in fare control.
Fares soaring across routes
The allegation is backed by sharp fare increases across key routes.
Passengers travelling from Dhaka to Rangpur are reportedly paying up to Tk 1,500 for tickets that usually cost around Tk 500. Fares to Pabna and Natore have doubled to around Tk 1,200, while even shorter routes like Dhaka to Mymensingh have seen fares more than double.
As Eid approaches, travellers say prices are rising further each day.
A system under strain
The association argues that weak enforcement has allowed operators to ignore official fare limits. It also claims that monitoring systems lack meaningful passenger representation, making it difficult to hold operators accountable.
At the same time, transport workers cite rising costs and lack of proper wages or bonuses as factors driving the additional charges – though passengers ultimately bear the burden.
Wider impact beyond travel
The Tk 148 crore in extra fares is not just a number – it has ripple effects.
Higher transport costs can drive up the price of goods, increase informal payments in the sector, and deepen financial pressure on low-income families already struggling with rising living costs.
Calls for reform
To curb the problem, the association has called for long-term solutions, including digital fare systems, stricter enforcement using surveillance, and stronger governance in the transport sector.
Until then, for many travellers, going home this Eid comes with a difficult choice: pay far more than they should, or risk not travelling at all.