Launch fare up on Dhaka-Barisal route

They realise Tk 400 for a single cabin against Tk 300 a week back, Tk 700 against Tk 500 for a double cabin and Tk 100 from deck passengers against Tk 70.

The enhanced fare is being realised as per a decision of a meeting of the Barisal Launch Owners Association, held in Dhaka on January 3, according to its vice-president Golam Mawla. The meeting was presided over by its president Kalimullah.

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He said the fate has been increased due to fuel price hike.

Different socio-cultural organisations here, including the Nagorik Parishad, Nagorik Samaj and the Citizens Alliances, have expressed their anguish at the fare hike.

Passengers are virtually hostage to the launch owners, who have formed a cartel to increase profit, they said while talking to this correspondent.

Some passengers boarding a double-decker launch for Dhaka on Tuesday said they are compelled to pay the enhanced fare as they have no alternative to travelling by launch.