Following the recent increase in fuel prices, the government has adjusted passenger launch fares across all inland waterways, announcing a BDT 0.23 per kilometer hike for the first 100 kilometers and a BDT 0.20 per kilometer hike for distances exceeding 100 kilometers.
Speaking to reporters following a bilateral meeting with vessel owners on Wednesday (September 23, 2026), Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, and Shipping Sheikh Robiul Alam confirmed the revised fare structure. Vessel owners had initially demanded a 15% increase, citing higher fuel and operational costs, and proposed raising fares to BDT 4.45 per km for the first 100 km (up from BDT 2.95). However, to minimize public hardship, the ministry capped the overall fare increase at 7.54%. Additionally, the minimum launch fare has been revised from BDT 32 to BDT 35. Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized that the decision was taken under compelling global market conditions and assured that if fuel prices decrease in the future, launch fares will be reduced proportionally.
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Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
