The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has accused influential bus and launch owners’ associations of attempting to unilaterally increase fares in violation of international consumer rights laws. The allegation was made by the association’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, at a press conference held on Monday afternoon at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He claimed that transport owners were fixing fares without passenger representation by influencing certain government officials.

The association argued that while fare adjustments should reflect changes in fuel prices, the current process lacks transparency and excludes passengers. It alleged that fare calculations are based on arbitrary cost components determined by owners, with no opportunity for verification by government or independent parties. The group also criticized the use of outdated buses in Dhaka and Chattogram, claiming inflated costs are used to justify higher fares.

The Passenger Welfare Association demanded government intervention and warned of strong protests if fare hikes exceed justified levels. Representatives from the Consumer Association of Bangladesh also spoke at the event, supporting the call for fair fare determination.