Ministry Ensures Refund of Excess Fares

With Eid al-Fitr approaching, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has intensified operations to curb overcharging and passenger harassment on roads across Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. Mobile courts have been deployed in various locations, imposing fines on errant transport operators and ensuring that collected excess fares are refunded to passengers.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, 19 March 2026, by the Ministry’s Information and Public Relations Officer, Nobel Dey, several transport companies have been penalised during ongoing inspections. The operations are part of a broader effort to ensure a safe, fair, and smooth travel experience during the peak holiday period.

In Dhaka, the mobile courts fined two transport services 5,000 taka in two separate cases in Phulbari, Gulistan, and Jatrabari. The offenders were identified as Ilish Transport and Jamuna Hi Deluxe, penalised for charging passengers above the official fare.

In Dholai Para, where passenger volumes are higher, four transport services were fined 13,000 taka for similar violations, while in Sayedabad, three operators were fined 11,000 taka, with passengers reimbursed for any excess fare paid. In Uttara Abdullahpur, two ticket counters were fined 10,000 taka for failing to display fare lists and overcharging.

Meanwhile, traffic conditions have reportedly remained smooth, with passenger density starting to ease. Separate operations in Kallyanpur, Gabtoli, Hemayetpur, and Savar led to fines totaling 7,000 taka across four cases, following a 9,000 taka penalty imposed in the same areas the previous day.

Outside Dhaka, mobile courts in Chattogram’s Oxygen Mor and Tangail’s Elenga imposed fines of 7,000 taka and 5,000 taka, respectively. In Barishal, one case resulted in a 3,000 taka fine, while in Khulna’s Rupsa Toll Plaza, three cases incurred 6,000 taka in penalties, though no complaints of excess fare collection were reported, and traffic was reported normal.

Authorities emphasise that these measures will continue in the lead-up to Eid, targeting overcharging and other irregularities to ensure safe and equitable travel for all passengers. Overall, reports indicate that traffic and travel conditions remain largely normal nationwide.

Excess Fare Enforcement: Key Details

These coordinated enforcement efforts aim to maintain fair pricing, protect passengers, and ensure smooth mobility during the busy festive period, reflecting the government’s commitment to upholding transport discipline and public welfare.