Homebound people have started leaving the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, causing a severe transport shortage and pushing fares sharply higher.

Passengers are being charged three to four times the regular fare.

Shoton, a garment worker heading to Gaibandha from Nabinagar, said, "I arrived here at 8:00am and got a bus at 10:30am. The usual fare was Tk 600–650, but today I had to pay Tk 2,000. The transport staff are taking advantage of our helplessness. This is unfair."

Faridul Islam, who was waiting to go to Rangpur from Baipail, said, "I’ve been standing here for a long time. There are no buses. The few that come are asking Tk 700–900 for a Tk 200 trip. Complaining doesn’t help."

On the other hand, drivers denied overcharging.

Mosharraf, a driver of Savar Transport, said, "Most long-distance buses left yesterday. Now, there are fewer buses and more passengers. People are offering higher fares themselves. No one is forcing them."

Another driver, Hasan Ali, said, "We only get to do business twice during Eid. Our owners don’t give us any bonus. We also want to buy clothes for our families. Taking a little extra fare is not a big crime."

Savar Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saleh Ahmed said, "Passenger pressure has been rising since last night. There is a transport shortage, that is true. But we haven’t received any written complaint yet. If we do, we will take action."

MSK/