Strict Penalties for Eid Fare Hikes: Transport Minister

The Government of Bangladesh has issued a stern warning to the transport sector regarding any unauthorised increase in passenger fares during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. Sheikh Rabiul Alam, the Minister for Road Transport and Shipping, clarified that the administration has already communicated a "zero-tolerance" policy to transport operators. Any attempt to exploit holiday travellers through inflated pricing will be met with immediate and rigorous legal action.

Ensuring a Seamless Holiday Transit

The Minister delivered these remarks on Saturday, 28 February 2026, during an extensive inspection tour of Narayanganj. His itinerary included the Narayanganj Terminal, the under-construction Khanpur Inland Container Terminal (ICT) and Bulk Terminal, and the new Dredger Base. He also reviewed progress on the World Bank-funded terminal building in the Machghat area of the Narayanganj river port.

Minister Alam expressed his commitment to ensuring that the home-bound rush is both "comfortable and safe." He identified chronic congestion points and areas prone to systemic disorder as the primary focuses for enforcement. To achieve this, a multi-agency security apparatus will be deployed across the nation’s arterial routes.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

During his visit, the Minister also turned his attention to the deteriorating state of the Shitalakshya River. Acknowledging the critical levels of pollution, he noted that while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change holds primary jurisdiction, his department would take immediate internal measures to mitigate waste runoff from port facilities. "We must identify our own shortcomings and rectify them swiftly," he stated, accompanied by Minister of State Habibur Rashid Habib.

A Directive on Discipline

The Minister’s message was clear: the public should not have to choose between safety and affordability. By coordinating the efforts of the police, coast guard, and administrative officials, the government aims to prevent the chaotic scenes often associated with mass migration during religious festivals.

"I wish to assure the public that everything will be managed with precision. Discipline on the roads and waterways is non-negotiable." — Sheikh Rabiul Alam