Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity today protested the proposed hike in train fares saying the government can minimise losses by setting up a proper management process instead.
The passengers' body also suggested that the rail authorities should check corruption and, misuse and looting of resources, and recover grabbed lands to minimize the losses.   
Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque on January 14 told reporters that the Railway ministry wants to increase fares for passengers and freight by 7.8 percent from next month to cut down losses.
The new fares will come into effect following the prime minister's approval as a proposal in this regard has been sent to her office, the minister added.
Jatri Kalyan Samity's discussion programme was being held at Dhaka Reporters' Unity.
"The government initiative to increase the rain fares goes against people's interest," Mozammel Huq Chowhdury, secretary general of the organisation, said while reading out a statement.
Railway does not have adequate number of people and skilled manpower to run the operation efficiently, he alleged.
The railways ministry is incurring losses due to mismanagement and a fault in the policy structure, eminent economist Professor Anu Muhammad said.
Zonayed Saki, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) Chairman Abu Naser Khan among others also spoke at the function.