In Narayanganj city, the District Office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate has imposed fines on bus ticket counters for selling tickets above the official fare and failing to display the mandated price lists. The enforcement action aims to safeguard passengers from unfair pricing practices and ensure transparency across the city’s public transport system.
The operation took place on Tuesday, 17 March, under the supervision of Hridoy Ranjan Banik, Assistant Director of the Narayanganj District Office. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with a team led by Sub-Inspector Kalam from the Narayanganj District Police Line, ensuring coordinated enforcement.
During the inspection, authorities identified two ticket counters violating fare regulations. The fines imposed are as follows:
| Ticket Counter | Location | Fine Amount (BDT) | Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Line | Chashara | 5,000 | Overcharging and failure to display official fare |
| Dolphin Express | Khanpur | 2,000 | Overcharging and failure to display official fare |
Assistant Director Hridoy Ranjan Banik stated, “We conducted this operation following reports that these counters were charging passengers above the officially regulated fares. Two counters have been fined today. Protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair practices remain our top priorities.”
He further emphasised that such operations are part of an ongoing effort to monitor ticket counters across the district. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with fare regulations, deter malpractice, and maintain transparency for passengers. Over the past year, similar actions have led to fines against fifteen other bus counters in the district for overcharging.
Passengers are advised to always check fare lists before boarding and report any violations to the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate or local authorities. The Directorate also encourages commuters to remain vigilant and cooperate during inspections to uphold consumer rights.
The joint operation between the Directorate and police demonstrates an effective model for protecting public interests. By ensuring compliance with fare regulations, authorities aim to prevent financial exploitation of passengers while fostering accountability within the city’s transport sector.
This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement to maintain fair pricing standards. The Directorate has confirmed that such consumer protection initiatives will continue throughout the year to ensure that all bus operators adhere strictly to established fare policies.