Fares on the Sariakandi-Madarganj river route in Bogra have been increased by Tk10 to Tk90 per passenger, citing rising fuel prices, drawing criticism from commuters.
The fare was initially raised by Tk20 to Tk100 but was reduced to Tk90 following passenger protests.
The roughly seven-kilometre route is a popular travel link for people from the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions heading to Jamalpur and Mymensingh. It reduces the distance between Bogra and Jamalpur to about 48km, compared with 150-160km by road.
Boats leave Kalitala Ghat in Sariakandi at 11:30am, 2pm and 4pm, while departures from Jamthail Ghat in Madarganj are scheduled for 9am, 11:30am, 2pm and 4pm.
The fare remained Tk60 from 2004 to 2022 before rising to Tk80 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Passengers have questioned the latest increase, saying the government raised river transport fares by 22 paisha per kilometre. Based on that rate, the fare for the seven-kilometre journey should have increased by only Tk1.54, they said.
They also alleged that passengers who miss scheduled boats have to rely on privately operated vessels, which charge Tk150-200 per person. These boats carry 30-50 passengers, while reserved boats cost Tk1,800-2,500, according to passengers.
Azizar Rahman, a passenger, said fares had increased by Tk30 in recent years. He also alleged that boatmen, leaseholders and porters often behaved poorly with passengers, urging the authorities to ensure that government-fixed fares were enforced.
Amirul Islam, the route's leaseholder, said fares had remained unchanged during previous fuel price hikes.
“This time, considering the increase in fuel prices, we raised the fare by Tk10 to Tk90,” he said, adding that passengers were travelling without major problems.
Sariakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Mikail Islam said he had received complaints about excessive fares. He said he had instructed the officer-in-charge of the local police station to inspect the route and speak with boatmen and leaseholders. The fare would be determined in line with government rules after discussions with operators and leaseholders, he added.
