The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association submitted a memorandum on Sunday, April 19, to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam and Shipping Minister, demanding the reformation of the committees responsible for determining bus and launch fares. The organization argued that previous administrations, in collaboration with private transport owners and labor leaders, had monopolized fare-setting decisions, causing severe hardship for passengers.

The memorandum stated that despite the formation of a new government by the BNP, it continues to follow the policies of the previous regime. The association expressed concern that the recent 15 percent or Tk 15 per liter increase in fuel prices has worsened the situation for commuters. It also noted that the ministries lack expert panels for fare determination, allowing influential transport leaders to impose fares unilaterally.

The association urged the government to prioritize public interest by restructuring the fare committees to include representatives from passenger and consumer groups, following international consumer rights laws, and to ensure fair fare adjustments that protect passenger welfare.