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BRTC bus fare halved for students

Decision on fare cut in private buses today


Published : 26 Nov 2021 10:12 PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to reduce BRTC-bus fare by 50 percent for students. The decision was made in view of the strong demand of students. According to the decision students will be allowed to travel by buses operated under Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) at half fare across the country, said Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced this at a briefing from his residence on Friday. 

He said, “The government of Sheikh Hasina is the government of the people. She gives the highest priority to any logical claim.”

Obaidul Quader said, “After the decision is implemented from December 1, students will be able to travel by BRTC- bus at half fare. The students will enjoy this concession while travelling by the BRTC- bus from 7 am to 8 pm. However, the concession will not be applicable on the day of closure of educational institutions.”

“While travelling, students must bring their valid identity card with photographs issued by their respective educational institutions and if required they must have to show it to the vehicle staff,” added Obaidul Quader.

The Minister for Road Transport and Bridges said BRTC will issue a notification in this regard soon.

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader said a meeting would be held at BRTA on Saturday with transport owners and leaders of labor federations and people concerned to discuss concessions given to students in privately owned buses and minibuses.

Obaidul Quader hoped that the transport owners would take a positive decision as they were sensitive to the demands of social responsibility and students.   

The government has increased the price of diesel and kerosene by Tk 15 per liter on November 3. On the other hand, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) on November 7 increased the fares of intercity and inter-district buses by 26.5 percent and 26 percent respectively, after a periodic strike.

The students have been protesting since November 18 demanding half fare for public transport. Hundreds of students of Dhaka College have protested outside their college demanding the same.

The students also claimed that despite being harassed by the staff on the public bus, no one listened to their demands.

If their two-point demand, including half bus- fare, is not met within 48 hours, students of various colleges in the city have announced a protest program from Saturday morning.