Launch Fares Increase

Following an increase in public transport fares due to the rise in fuel prices, launch fares have also been increased. Launch fares have been raised by 7.54 percent, with the minimum passenger fare set at Tk 35.
The fare for the first 100 kilometres has been increased by 23 poisha per kilometre. For distances beyond 100 kilometres, the fare has been increased by 20 poisha per kilometre.
Earlier, launch owners demanded a fare increase following the rise in fuel prices. They wrote to Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam seeking a 51 to 60 percent increase in fares per kilometre for passengers.
In the letter, they proposed increasing the existing fare for the first 100 kilometres from Tk 2.95 to Tk 4.45 per kilometre and the fare for each subsequent kilometre from Tk 2.52 to Tk 4.02. They also proposed withdrawing the fuel price increase if their demand was not accepted.
In this context, the Shipping Minister said a meeting would be held on Thursday to discuss the launch fare increase.