Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association today demanded the government not to increase public transport fare on the excuse of gas price hike.

A chaotic situation is prevailing in transport sector as bus operators usually charge additional fare than the fare set by the government, claimed Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, secretary general of the association.

Besides, the government's existing fare chart seems higher in comparison to quality of service of bus operators, as most of the buses in Dhaka city are in rundown condition, he also said.

That is why, passengers are often seen involved in altercation and scuffle with bus helpers over charging additional fare, Mozammel said while addressing a rally in front of the National Press Club protesting any possibility to increase bus fare.

"In such a situation we demand that the government should not increase fare for the sake of people with limited income," he said.

The association also demanded government's effective mechanism to check charging of additional fare.

If corruption and extortion can be curbed from transport sector, passengers' fare can easily be reduced, the association claimed.

Expressing solidarity, noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud, leaders and representatives of different political and social organisations attended the function.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new tariff structure on Thursday that said the price of per cubic meter of CNG would be Tk 35 from Tk 30.

Following that, private bus operators on Sunday sent a proposal to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry to increase bus fare for passengers in Dhaka and Chittagong.

According to the government-fixed fare chart, a minibus passenger has to pay Tk 1.5 while a bus passenger Tk 1.6 for travelling a kilometre. Long-route bus passengers pay Tk 1.45 for the same distance.