Launch fare hike under consideration

Launch owners have proposed an increase in passenger fares, but any revision will only be decided after discussions and approval from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

Md Hannan, finance secretary of the launch owners’ association, confirmed that fares remain unchanged for now and no hike has been implemented. He said a final decision will depend on government directives following BIWTA’s review.

At Sadarghat launch terminal, both staff and passengers expressed concern over the possibility of higher fares. Workers noted that despite rising fuel costs, current ticket prices are still in effect. However, they indicated that adjustments may come if authorities approve the proposal.

Passengers, especially those traveling on routes like Chandpur and Bhola, fear the impact of a potential 36–42% fare increase. Many worry that higher costs could push travelers toward alternative transport such as buses or make travel unaffordable, particularly for middle-income families.

For areas like Bhola, where launches are the primary mode of transport, the impact could be even more significant.

Launch operators argue that recent fuel price hikes—ranging from Tk 15 to Tk 20 per litre—have sharply increased operating costs. They say a reasonable fare adjustment is necessary to sustain the sector and protect livelihoods.

The proposal submitted to BIWTA suggests raising fares to Tk 3.77 per kilometre for trips up to 100 km and Tk 3.38 per kilometre for longer distances, along with increasing the minimum fare from Tk 29 to Tk 35.

The government recently adjusted fuel prices in line with global trends, setting diesel at Tk 115 per litre, octane at Tk 140, petrol at Tk 135, and kerosene at Tk 130.