Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that collecting fees through mutual agreement among bus owners and associations is lawful, but extortion through illegal means will not be permitted. He made the remarks on Thursday after a preparatory meeting at the ministry aimed at ensuring smooth waterway travel ahead of Eid.

The minister noted that last year’s Eid journeys by road and river went well and expressed the government’s intention to make this year’s travel experience even better. He added that special monitoring will be in place for five days before and after Eid to maintain normal movement of passengers on both road and water routes.

The comments came as part of broader preparations to manage increased passenger traffic during the holiday period and to prevent irregularities in fare collection and transport operations.