Authorities have set new fares for passenger transport on the Cox’s Bazar–Moheshkhali water route following a prolonged dispute between passengers and vessel owners over rising fares linked to increased fuel prices.
The fare has been fixed at Tk 110 per person for speedboats and Tk 50 for engine boats.
The decision was made at a meeting with speedboat owners held at the Moheshkhali Upazila Parishad office on Tuesday, chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imran Md. Dalim.
Passengers had earlier alleged that fares were being raised arbitrarily—from Tk 90 to as high as Tk 120—without prior notice. Often, tourists were reportedly charged even higher rates.
They also complained of harassment if they refused to pay the increased fares.
Representing local youth, Mohammad Ruhul Amin said passengers had long been facing various forms of harassment at the ghat, calling for stronger administrative intervention.
He noted that, according to the gazette, fares were Tk 90 for speedboats and Tk 30 for engine boats. Still, operators had already been charging Tk 100 and Tk 40, respectively, even before the latest hike.
On the other hand, speedboat owners argued that rising fuel costs have pushed their operations into losses.
Didarul Islam, president of the Cox’s Bazar Speedboat Owners Association, said each trip consumes around 8–10 liters of fuel, while income from previous fares was insufficient to cover daily expenses.
According to district administration data, about 156 speedboats, more than two dozen trawlers, and one sea-truck operate on the Cox’s Bazar–Moheshkhali route, transporting passengers regularly.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
