Bus operators at Gabtali bus terminal in the city have raised fare in long distance routes by at least Tk 40 per ticket prior to the Eld-ul-Azha.

Even double the normal fare is charged depending on the route and the service.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Gabtoli Terminal Transport Owners Association, salesmen at the ticket counter said.

During a visit to Gabtoli bus terminal yesterday evening, this correspondent was told by salesmen at most of the counters that they had sold tickets in advance.

At the Syedabad bus terminal. transport owners said they have not taken any decision to raise the fare in view of the Eid.

Passengers as well as salesmen at different counters said tickets were sold at normal

rates.

A passenger going to Chuadanga from Gabtali yesterday said. "I bought this ticket on March 1 for Tk 200 whereas it should cost Tk 140. They are forcibly realising the extra money."

Another passenger intending to travel to Khulna on April 6 said he was told from the ticket counter of Druti Pariba-han yesterday that no ticket was available for March 6 and 7.

"I was then approached by a 'broker' who offered me three tickets for March 6 each costing Tk 300. almost double the normal rate. I had no option but to buy the tickets for Tk 800."

Shahida Begum, travelling to Rangpur, said she paid Tk 50 extra for a ticket.

At the counter of Shaukhin Paribahan tickets for Jessore

were sold at Tk 210 against the normal rate of Tk 110.

Similar situation was observed at the counter of Chandra. Subarna, Mitsui. Eagle. Dhaka Deluxe, Intercity. Mad-humati and Zaker transports. Salesmen at the counters said that they had instructions from their owners to raise the fare by at least Tk 40 per ticket.

Asked why police was not taking any action, Assistant Police Commissioner of Mirpur Zone Mahbubul Alam said, "We can not take any action unless someone complains. None has yet made any complaint about enhanced fare.

"The matter is beyond our control. Communications Ministry officials are responsible for this. If they instruct us. we can then take action."

When contacted. Zubair Naim. Joint Convenor of the owners association at Gabtali said. We took the decision to raise the fare to make up for the losses in return trips. Buses will return to Dhaka almost empty till the Eid Day."

Asked if the government was informed of the decision in writing, he said. "It is not necessary. This is not a new practice. We follow this practice every year."