Writ filed challenging fare hike of public transport

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court (HC) on Monday challenging a gazette notification sanctioning 60 per cent fare hikes in public transport, reports UNB.

The gazette notification was issued by the road, transport and bridges ministry on Sunday increasing fares for inter-district and long routes buses and minibuses by 60 per cent from existing Tk 1.42 per kilometer.

Supreme Court lawyer Humayun Kabir Pallab filed the writ with the virtual bench of justice JBM Hasan seeking cancellation of the gazette.

The writ also sought HC rule seeking explanation as to why the gazette should not be declared illegal.

Road, transport and bridges ministry secretary, BRTA chairman and prime minister's principal secretary were made respondents to the writ petition

Pallab said the HC bench might hear the writ petition on Tuesday.

The writ was filed for public interest as the decision of fare hike is irrational and discriminatory, he said.