‘An atrocious act of extortion’
TIB says about higher fare of domestic flights
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed shock and disappointment over the three to four-time hike in fare by domestic airlines, taking advantage of the higher demand on Eid holidays.
In a statement yesterday, the anti-graft watchdog termed the hike an “atrocious act of extortion” and demanded justice and accountability in public interest and for corporate integrity.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said, “We are deeply shocked and disappointed to see in media reports that some airlines of Bangladesh have brazenly involved themselves in an unprecedented atrocious act of extortion through taking advantage of the higher demand for travels during the Eid holidays”.
This, he said, is a shameful example of non-compliance of national and international standards, which is unthinkable for outfits involved in airline business.
He also said, “If these airlines represented responsible and prudent corporate practice they could have planned to make special arrangements to temporarily expand their fleet and/or increase flights to cope with the demand, and make additional profit.”
But in no circumstances can they resort to such illegal profiteering by collusive abuse of corporate power, he added.
He called upon relevant government authorities, especially the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to duly investigate the matter and bring to justice those liable for it.
“Accountability must be ensured for public interest and in order to ensure the minimum level of corporate honesty and integrity,” TIB said in the statement.