Notification Issued to Hike Launch Fare

A notification has been issued to increase the launch fare in view of the increase in fuel oil prices. The notification signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Aminur Rahman on Sunday (November 7) was released by the Ministry of Shipping on Monday (November 8).

It has also been mentioned in the notification that the rescheduled rent will be effective from today.

In a meeting with the launch owners last night, the launch fare has been increased by 60 paisa per kilometer. As a percentage, it has been increased to 35.29 per cent for short distance launches and 42 per cent for long distance launches.

According to the circular, in accordance with Rule 27 of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Rent Determination) Rules, 2019, in the light of the recommendations of the Committee constituted to redefine the maximum and minimum passenger fares per kilometer for passenger transport, the BIWTA Rescheduled-

1. For the first 100 km distance, the passenger fare per km has been increased by 60 paisa per person and fixed at Tk 2.30.

2. For the first distance of more than 100 kms, the passenger fare per kilometer has been increased by Tk 0.80 / - to Tk 2.00 /

3. The minimum rent is fixed at Tk 25 per person.

Earlier, the fare was Tk 1.70 per kilometer up to 100 km. For a distance of more than 100 kilometers, one taka was 40 paisa per kilometer. Besides, the minimum rent was 18 taka per person.

Last Thursday (November 4), the government increased the price of diesel and kerosene from Tk 65 per liter to Tk 80 per liter. Then on Friday the launch owners proposed to the government to double the fare. Later, the owners stopped running the launch from that afternoon as no decision was taken to increase the fare by Saturday (November 6).

The launch owners have called off the strike since last night.