BIWTA proposes 60% hike in launch fare

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has proposed 60 percent hike in launch fare on condition that they will carry 50 percent passengers of their capacity and will follow health safety guidelines.

BIWTA took the move following a demand from launch owners as the authority, following the directives of Prime Minister's Office (PMO), instructed them not to carry more than 50 percent passengers of their capacity.

"We have sent the proposal to the Shipping Ministry and hope to get a directive in this regard within tomorrow," BIWTA Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq told The Daily Star today.

The hike in launch fare would only be effective until the Covid-19 situation comes under control, he added.