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involved, he said.

“Since the current government has been in office for only two months, we have accepted its decision out of respect. We have officially submitted a note of dissent over our concerns.”

On the other hand, the increase applies only to diesel-run buses, while fares for CNG-run vehicles remain unchanged.

The fares would be adjusted automatically in line with changes in fuel prices.

Khokon also warned of strict monitoring to prevent overcharging.

Meanwhile, fares were already increased before the official announcement.

On routes such as Gulistan to Farmgate, where the fixed fare is Tk 13, passengers were charged between Tk 15 and Tk 20.

Similar irregularities were reported on long-distance routes, with operators citing fuel shortages and rising costs.

Fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations have reduced trips while increasing operational costs, prompting fare hikes, said Enamul Haque Liton, a counter master at a Fulbaria bus terminal operator.

Meanwhile, Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, urged stricter enforcement to ensure discipline on roads, prevent accidents and stop overcharging.