However, amid this relief, extra fares have become a new source of suffering for city dwellers. Accusations have been raised against bus, CNG, and rickshaw drivers of charging extra fares compared to normal times under various pretexts such as 'Eid baksheesh', 'Eid day', or 'fewer vehicles today'.

On Thursday (May 28), visits to Mirpur-1, Mirpur-10, Sheorapara, Kazipara, Kalshi, Kuril, Kurmitola, ECB Chattar, Natun Bazar, and Norda areas of the capital revealed that many rickshaw drivers are demanding 20 to 100 taka more than the usual fare. In some places, arguments are breaking out with passengers over fares. There have also been reports of women, children, and elderly passengers being charged higher fares.

At Mirpur-10 roundabout, private sector employee Rashedul Islam said, 'On a normal day, it costs 40 to 50 taka to go from Mirpur-10 to Kazipara. But today, no rickshaw agreed to go for less than 80 taka. One driver directly said I have to pay considering the Eid baksheesh.'

Housewife Sumi Akhtar was out with her family members in Sheorapara. She said, 'We are going to a relative's house with the children on Eid day. There are fewer rickshaws, and the few that are there are asking for much higher fares. They are asking for up to 100 taka even for short distances. We are forced to pay.'

College student Arif Hossain made the same complaint. He said, 'Although you can travel quickly on empty roads, there is a kind of anarchy over fares. It costs 60 taka on a normal day to go from Mirpur-1 to Kalshi, today they asked for 120 taka. If you bargain, the drivers refuse to go.'

Private sector employee Nazmul Hasan was waiting for a CNG in the Mirpur-1 area. He said, 'On a normal day, you can go at a certain fare, but on Eid day they are asking for much more. Since there are fewer buses, I am forced to take a CNG. Even after bargaining, many drivers don't want to go. So I have to reach my destination by paying extra fare.'

Bus passenger Shafiqul Islam was coming from Mirpur to Natun Bazar. He informed, 'Although the bus fare from Mirpur-10 to Natun Bazar is 30 taka on a normal day, on Eid day it has been increased to 50 taka. I came out with my family on Eid day. But as soon as I get on the bus, they ask for extra fare. Even after paying 40 taka, the driver and helper are not satisfied. They are also arguing with passengers.'

However, rickshaw drivers claim they are asking for extra money because they are working away from their families on Eid day. Abdul Kader, who drives a rickshaw in the Mirpur area, said, 'I drive with hardship all year. On Eid day, everyone spends time with their families, while we stay on the road. So I don't see anything wrong with asking for a little more fare. Many passengers also happily give baksheesh.'

Another driver, Jahangir Alam, said, 'The number of passengers has decreased. I have to sit idle all day. So I try to earn a little more on a few trips. Besides, during Eid, we also have to pay more to the garage owner.'

CNG driver Md. Hanif from Mirpur-10 area said, 'Although there are fewer vehicles on the road on Eid day, there are also fewer passengers. Often I have to sit idle for a long time. Considering the cost of fuel, garage rent, and Eid expenses for the family, I have to ask for a little more fare. However, no one is being forced to pay; I only go if the passenger agrees.'

Karim, the driver of a bus of Osim Paribahan going from Gabtali to Demra Staff Quarter, informed, 'As there are relatively fewer passengers on the road on Eid day, extra fares are being charged in some cases. We don't intentionally charge more. We have to increase the fare a bit due to garage costs, extra staff salaries, and the additional pressure of Eid.'

An officer in charge of the Mirpur Traffic Division said, 'Since there is no effective system for fixing rickshaw fares, complaints from passengers are common. This tendency increases further during Eid or special days. Since rickshaws are informal transport, controlling fares also becomes difficult.'

Meanwhile, the number of buses and CNGs has also been seen to be lower in various areas of the capital. As a result, many are forced to rely on rickshaws. Passengers allege that some drivers are taking advantage of this situation to charge extra fares.

Although Eid day brings some relief to the busy city life of the capital, this extra pressure of rickshaw fares is dampening the joy of city dwellers. Passengers say, let the joy of Eid be shared with empathy, not by charging extra fares.

AH/ARM