Launch owners on Monday made a proposal to double the existing launch fare following the recent hike of diesel price.
They announced to meet the concerned authority on Wednesday to finalize the new fare.
According to the launch owners of the Dhaka-Barisal route, the cost per trip of the launches almost doubled. Therefore, the fare should be increased accordingly, they said.
However, the government on Monday rejected the proposal to double the existing launch fare.
Shipping Secretary Md Mostafa Kamal said: “The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Passenger Carriers Association, an organization of the launch owners, proposed to double the current fare. If their proposal is accepted, the fare will be Tk4.60 and Tk4 from the existing Tk2.30 and Tk2 per kilometre, respectively.”
Against the backdrop of launch owners’ proposal for a steep fare hike, the shipping ministry formed a working committee to recommend new rates by taking into account the potential implications for all stakeholders.
“The committee will submit its report within Monday evening,” Mostafa said after a meeting with the launch owners in Dhaka.
“Launch fares will be increased reasonably through discussion. We hope to publish a gazette within August 10,” he added.
Saidur Rahman Rintu, vice president of Bangladesh Launch Owners Association and director of MV Sundarban launch fleet, said: “We did not increase launch fare. We are taking the same fare for deck passengers officially fixed by the authority. The fare of the cabin is being fixed by the respective launch owners in accordance with the standard and offered facilities.”
In November 2021, launch fares were increased by more than 35% after a 23% hike in diesel price. The minimum launch fare was raised to Tk25 from Tk18.
