In a significant victory for students, the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association has agreed to offer half-fare on buses for students seven days a week. This decision comes after years of advocacy by students who have long demanded this concession.
The announcement was made on Monday by the newly elected president of the association, Saiful Alam, at a seminar held at the Ramna Engineering Institution. The decision has been widely welcomed by students.
Alam stated that students have played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s history, including the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, and the recent democratic movement. Recognizing their contributions, the association decided to grant their long-standing demand for half-fare on all days of the week.
The association has also organized a seminar to raise awareness among bus owners and workers about road safety. Alam emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline on roads to ensure the safety of passengers.
The decision to offer half-fare seven days a week follows a meeting between the transport owners’ association and representatives of the Safe Roads Movement. The movement had been advocating for this concession for several years, citing a previous order by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) that granted half-fare for students on five days of the week.
The new decision will be effective from Tuesday and will apply to all buses operating within the Dhaka metropolitan area. Students will be required to present a valid student ID or wear their school uniform to avail of the concession.
This decision is expected to provide significant relief to students, especially those from low-income families. It is also a positive step towards making public transportation more affordable and accessible for students.