Launch fare hiked by 35.29pc, strike withdrawn

The ongoing launch strike was withdrawn on Sunday after the government increased launch fare by 35.29 percent in line with the recent transport fare hike.

The decision was taken following a meeting between Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and launch owners in the capital on Sunday.

At the same time, the minimum launch fare for launch has been fixed at Tk 30, up from Tk 18.

The launch fare for within 100 kilometers has been fixed Tk 2.30 marking 35 percent hike which was previously only Tk 1.70.

Besides, the fare for more than 100-kilometer commuters will have to pay Tk 2 instead of Tk 1.40 marking 42 percent hike.

BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadek presided over the meeting where Bangladesh Inland Waterways (Passenger Carriers) Association president Mahbub Uddin Ahmed, Senior Vice President Bodiuzzaman Badal, Bangladesh Launch Owners Association Secretary General Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan were present, among others.

Much to the misery of commuters, launch owners on Saturday joined the nationwide public transport strike to protest rising fuel prices.

The launch owners demanded a 100% increase in fares to resume operations if the raised prices were maintained.